Espanyol sporting director apologizes for saying Lamine Yamal should win Ballon d’Or

RCD Espanyol sporting director Monchi has issued an apology to supporters after stating that FC Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d'Or. Addressing the backlash on Spanish radio, Monchi acknowledged that backing a star from Espanyol's crosstown rivals caused controversy among the club's fanbase, offering his apologies to any supporters who took offense.

Monchi explained that when prompted to choose between Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Yamal, he picked Yamal purely out of national pride to support a Spanish player. Yamal is considered a top contender for the award following a World Cup victory with Spain, though Monchi conceded that, as an Espanyol official, he should have chosen differently.