A grand London celebration if the Ballon d'Or is his: Yamal books a private jet in advance

Spanish star Lamine Yamal is firmly in the race for the Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award. He made the shortlist last year too, and this time his confidence appears even higher — the Barcelona forward is preparing his celebration in advance, before the winner is even announced.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Yamal rates his chances of winning this year as better than before. If he is recognised as the world's best footballer, the World Cup-winning star does not intend to spare any expense in celebrating with his family.

Cadena COPE reports that Yamal has chartered a private plane to fly to London on Monday, October 26. Travelling with him will be his parents, Sheila Ebana and Mounir Nasraoui, his partner Ines Garcia, other family members, friends and close associates, along with members of his management team.

This year's ceremony carries a special significance. France Football magazine will present the award for the 70th time, and in honour of Sir Stanley Matthews — the English legend who won the very first Ballon d'Or in 1956 — the ceremony is being staged in his home country, with London chosen as the venue to mark where the award began.

The event will be held at the London Palladium Theatre in the West End, at 9pm local time (1am in Bangladesh). Yamal's plane is due to depart for London before noon on the day of the announcement. UEFA has partnered with France Football in staging the award for the past three years.

Last year's experience, however, was not a happy one for Yamal. He had likewise planned a Paris celebration in advance in case he won, but the award went to Ousmane Dembele, and he had to fly back the same night as the ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet.

He did not return entirely empty-handed — that year he won the prestigious Kopa Trophy as the best under-21 footballer. Many see this year's advance London preparations as a sign he wants to complete that unfinished story.

For a player who has reached the centre of world football at such a young age, the Ballon d'Or would be the biggest individual recognition of his career. His consistent performances for Barcelona and his success with Spain are widely credited with keeping him near the front of the race.

The final word, though, belongs to France Football's voters. Until the name is announced on the Palladium stage, Yamal's advance preparations will remain a talking point — confidence or over-optimism will only be settled on Monday night.