Lamine Yamal has become one of the most talked-about names in world soccer. At just 18 years old, the FC Barcelona winger has shown that he's not just a prospect, but a reality. Born in Mataró, his talent has grown, and his speed, dribbling, and vision make him a player capable of changing the course of a match.
It's no coincidence that, in his first full season, he scored 18 goals and provided 23 assists in 55 matches. Yamal is already an undisputed starter for Barça, a team with which he achieved a domestic treble in the 24/25 season. His football maturity surprises even the most experienced players.
Big dreams from a young age
In an interview for the podcast Resonancia de Corazón, hosted by José Ramón de la Morena, Lamine made his ambition clear; he's not satisfied with just one Ballon d'Or. "I dream of having many," he confessed. His sights aren't just set on 2025, but on making an era like the one Leo Messi built over two decades.
For Yamal, winning France Football's top award doesn't depend only on luck; he firmly believes his talent and effort will be decisive. "I'm a player who has the ability to do it. If I don't do it, it's because I haven't done things right or because I haven't wanted to," he stated confidently.
A challenge to Messi and Cristiano
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate the recent history of the Ballon d'Or; "La Pulga" leads with eight, while CR7 has five. Lamine doesn't seem intimidated by these giants; on the contrary, he sees them as benchmarks to surpass. His youth gives him a unique advantage: he could become the youngest footballer to win the award, even before Ronaldo Nazário or Messi.
The Brazilian achieved it at 21 years and 3 months; Messi at 22 years and 5 months. Yamal, on the other hand, could do it at just 18 years and 2 months. A figure that seems taken from a dream, but, given his performance, isn't impossible.
The 2025 Ballon d'Or gala
Everything is ready for the gala on September 22 in Paris. Voting closed on August 25 and, although the winner isn't known yet, Lamine stands out as one of the main favorites, along with Ousmane Dembélé.
Spain has already had recent winners: Luis Suárez in 1960 and Rodrigo Hernández in the previous edition. Messi, wearing Barça's jersey, took home seven of his eight Ballon d'Ors. Now, the question everyone is asking is: can Lamine start a new era and add his name to history?