Barcelona’s focus now turns quickly back to the pitch after an eventful Ballon d’Or evening in Paris.
The men’s team have made an impressive start to the new campaign, keeping pace with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga while also navigating a demanding Champions League group.
With several key players returning from recent injuries and the club’s academy continuing to churn out top prospects, optimism is high at the Camp Nou.
Fans are also buzzing about the imminent El Clasico next month, a fixture that could shape the early title race and test the squad’s depth.
The mood around Barcelona is one of confidence and anticipation as they look to maintain momentum on both domestic and European fronts.
Against this vibrant backdrop, club president Joan Laporta cut a cheerful figure ahead of the glittering Ballon d’Or gala in the French capital. Barcelona’s presence was strong on both the men’s and women’s sides, with the spotlight firmly on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati.
Bonmati once again stole the show by capturing the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive year, underlining her remarkable consistency at the very summit of the women’s game.
Lamine Yamal also had reason to celebrate, lifting the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best young player for a second straight season, though the main men’s award ultimately went to former Barca winger Ousmane Dembélé.
The teenager’s achievements come despite a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
He has missed Barcelona’s last three fixtures with a stubborn back problem and, until now, no official return date had been set.
Speaking to Marca, Laporta offered a significant hint on when fans might see their prodigy back in action.
“I see Lamine with restrained enthusiasm, surrounded by his friends and teammates who are also contenders for the title like Raphinha.
“I like the way he approaches these events. He’s currently injured with that damn back pain.
“He said he might be fine for Real Sociedad,” Laporta revealed.
The president added that Yamal’s near-miss for the Ballon d’Or will only drive him harder next year.
With Barcelona thriving on all fronts, supporters will be eager to see their teenage star return to the fold and continue his meteoric rise.
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