Spain boss backs Lamine Yamal to win Ballon d’Or this year

Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise continues to dominate the soccer conversation. At just 18 years old, the Barcelona forward has already established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the world.

His mix of technical brilliance, composure and productivity has made him a central figure for both club and country. With Barcelona, he has already collected La Liga titles in 2022-23 and 2024-25, while on the international stage he played a key role in Spain’s 2024 European Championship triumph. 

Those achievements have now pushed him firmly into the Ballon d’Or spotlight. Before last season, Yamal claimed the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player in the world, and became the youngest ever Ballon d’Or nominee at just 17. 

Lamine Yamal has been standout player

His candidacy this year is built on both domestic and international success. He was central to Barcelona’s domestic treble in 2024-25, finishing with 18 goals and 21 assists across competitions.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has added weight to his case, describing Yamal as the standout player in world football this year and tipping him for the Ballon d’Or, which will be presented in Paris on Sept. 22. 

His remarks show the growing belief that the teenager already belongs alongside the game’s biggest stars.

"Lamine Yamal has the potential to be the best in the world," De la Fuente told El Larguero via Ser. "I would give it to a Spaniard; I'm happy if it went to Fabián [Ruiz] or Lamine Yamal"

"He's a kid who works in the gym, with the physio, with the nutritionist, psychological care... He started with us at 16 and has shown impressive maturity. He handles the pressure naturally and with a control that is admirable."

Should he win, Yamal would join a select group of recent Ballon d’Or winners. Luka Modric took the prize in 2018, Karim Benzema in 2022, and his Spain teammate Rodri in 2024, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the award for more than a decade.

The conversation, however, extends far beyond 2025. Given his age, talent and trajectory, Yamal is already being discussed as a player capable of winning multiple Ballons d’Or, something he has acknowledged himself. 

If his development continues on the same path, he could become the defining star of football’s next era.