Lamine Yamal copies LeBron James as he sets himself three new challenges to win Ballon d'Or

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has set himself three challenges in order to win the Ballon d'Or.

The 18-year-old is one of the favourites to win this year's award after starring in La Liga and the Champions League for Barcelona.

He scored 18 goals and provided 21 assists in all competitions as Hansi Flick's side won the Spanish top division and reached the semi-finals in Europe.

There is one week before the Ballon d'Or voting closes on August 25, with the award ceremony taking place nearly a month later on September 22 in Paris.

Yamal kicked off the new season in style on Sunday night, scoring and assisting as Barca eased past Mallorca 3-0 at Palma de Mallorca.

Ousmane Dembele is the heavy favourite with the bookmakers to win the Ballon d'Or, but not many would bet against Yamal lifting the award himself at some stage in his career.

With that in mind, Mundo Deportivo report that the 18-year-old forward has set himself three challenges for the season ahead.

Although they are relatively standard challenges - to score more, to take free kicks and to take penalties - it shows how Yamal wants to position himself as the leader of Barcelona's attack for years to come.

Yamal copies LeBron James

During the win over Mallorca, Yamal celebrated by performing a 'crown' celebration - a direct nod to NBA legend LeBron James.

He brought out the celebration for the first time during a pre-season win over Korean K League side FC Seoul - who are captained by former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard - and has carried it forward into the new season.

Yamal even referenced LeBron in an Instagram post uploaded after the game.

Image: Instagram/@lamineyamal

He told reporters after scoring: "I'm happy - it was a dream, a dream I had. To be able to score wearing this shirt and this number, which is very special to me. I'm also very happy for the team's victory."