Overview
- Yamal collected Best Forward and Best U23 men’s player in Dubai, along with a Maradona award reported as tied to goalscoring.
- Asked about parallels with greats, he said, “It’s best not to compare yourself to anyone… I want to build my own path.”
- A clip of Cristiano Ronaldo smiling at Yamal’s remarks—and laughing at his quip that “at home my mom is the boss”—circulated widely.
- Ronaldo also received trophies on the night, including Best Middle Eastern Player and a recognition as top goalscorer of all time.
- The ceremony followed a year in which Yamal finished runner-up in the Ballon d’Or to Ousmane Dembele, while teammate Raphinha was named La Liga Player of the Year and hinted at perceived snubs elsewhere.