In a surprising turn, a football technical secretary had to apologise for naming 16‑year‑old Lamine Yamal as his top pick for the next Ballon d’Or.
- The apology feels odd because a secretary’s opinion is expected to be well‑informed and backed by solid reasoning.
- Fans imagine someone like Monchi, the famed director, championing a different star—perhaps Dayot Upamecano or Julián Quiñones.
- One can picture the Espanyol owner’s reaction if Monchi walked in claiming he’d discovered the sport’s next global gem and demanded a big investment.
It’s a reminder that even experts can spark controversy when they voice bold predictions.