At just 17, Lamine Yamal has earned praise from football legends and peers alike who believe he has what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or. While not all the speculated names in social media chatter have confirmed picks, several respected figures have publicly tipped him as one of the leading contenders.
Gerard Deulofeu, former Barcelona winger, declared Yamal “the greatest football creator” in the game, praising his creativity and consistency across both club and international fixtures. Deulofeu believes Yamal’s performances this season set him apart. Ronaldinho, another icon of the sport, has similarly spoken of Yamal’s meteoric rise. In interviews with Marca, Ronaldinho hailed the teenager’s ability on the pitch, calling it “his time to shine.”
Even Ousmane Dembélé, who ultimately won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, was full of admiration. Following the ceremony, he said: “If all the planets align, he’ll win many trophies like the Ballon d’Or.” For Dembélé, Yamal’s maturity and talent made him a formidable rival this year.
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These endorsements underline how serious the conversation has become around Yamal. Not just as a rising talent, but as a player many believe has reached a level where Ballon d’Or consideration is overdue.
Still, caution is warranted. Public predictions can fuel hype, but the actual winner is decided by jurors from around the world, and performance over the full season remains the key. Yamal himself has stressed that while the award is an honour, it should reflect consistency rather than individual narratives.
For now, Yamal stands as a symbol of what the next generation offers — flair, pace, and genuine impact. If tonight’s ceremony had been decided in the court of public opinion, many of football’s legends would already be applauding his name among the winners.