"I am convinced that he has the potential to win it" - Ballon d'Or winner Rodri believes Barcelona star could win award in the future
Manchester City star Rodri has tipped Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or in the future. At the young age of 17, Yamal has risen to become one of the most promising young talents in football.
He rose through the ranks of Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia to make his senior team debut in April 2023 in LaLiga. The Spaniard was a regular starter for former coach Xavi and has been for current coach Hansi Flick for La Blaugrana. In 72 overall outings across competitions, he has recorded 13 goals and 21 assists for the Catalans.
Yamal ranked eighth in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings for his exceptional performance for Barcelona and Spain. He was key to La Roja's triumph in the 2024 Euros with one goal and four assists. The La Masia graduate has also won the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award this year.
In an interview with AS, 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri tipped Lamine Yamal to be a future recipient of the most coveted individual award in football. Rodri was asked about his frequent mention of his compatriot during his acceptance speech at France Football's gala in October.
"Yes, I put a bit of pressure on him (laughs). For me, I think he [Yamal] has everything he needs to win it. I don't know when he will win it, whether now or later, but I am convinced that he has the potential to win it," he said.
Lamine Yamal's exceptional playmaking abilities coupled with his penchant for the best assists have often led him to be compared to legendary forwards like Lionel Messi and Neymar. The last Barcelona superstar to win the Ballon d'Or was Messi in 2019 (he won two more at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami respectively). It remains to be seen if Yamal can become the next one.
When Lionel Messi tipped Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or in the future
In an interview with French outlet L'Equipe (via Barca Blaugranes) after winning his record eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023, Lionel Messi tipped Barcelona star Lamine Yamal to win the coveted award.
“Lamine, who is now very young and is already playing at Barcelona and being important ... will play a prominent role and fight for it [Ballon d'Or] in the future too. There are always good players. A very nice stage is coming for us to enjoy," Messi said.
Lionel Messi also notably voted for Yamal as his first choice in the FIFA Best Men's Players Awards. In the 2023-24 season, the youngster was exceptional for Spain in the Euros, recording one goal and four assists in seven games. Yamal's only goal came in Spain's 2-1 win over France in the Euro semi-final.
Moreover, the Spain international also contributed seven goals and nine assists in 50 games across competitions for Barcelona. Yamal's commendable flair in the right wing, ball control, and smooth dribbling skills have often led him to be compared to Lionel Messi. The latter has also often excelled as a right winger in his career.
