Lamine Yamal, the prodigy from FC Barcelona, has set his sights on the coveted Ballon d’Or for 2025. In a recent interview with RTVE, the talented forward expressed his desire to lift the prestigious individual award, a goal he shares with Ousmane Dembélé, who has had a phenomenal season with PSG. Yet, Yamal is clear: if he doesn’t win, he doesn’t see Dembélé taking it home either.
Yamal is not shy about his ambitions and even places Dembélé out of the running. “I want to win the Champions League… Well, both, actually,” he said with a grin. His determination is evident as he acknowledges the importance of both trophies, especially for Barcelona. At just 18 years old, being in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or is already a monumental achievement, and he hopes to make it a reality.
Neymar and Messi in His Heart
When asked about alternatives, Yamal has no hesitation in mentioning two legends he holds in high regard, despite their current form not being at its peak: Neymar and Messi. “I would give one to Ney; he deserves it. The Ney from his Barcelona or PSG days would probably win it today. I wish he had won one. And Messi, of course, because he’s the best in history,” he declared, showcasing his unwavering admiration for the Brazilian star.
Yamal’s comments underline his deep respect for Neymar, his childhood idol, with whom he has formed a close bond during past vacations in Brazil. Meanwhile, Messi continues to reign supreme with his record eight Ballon d’Or titles, solidifying his legacy as an all-time great. As Yamal navigates his own journey, he clearly looks up to these icons as he aims for football’s highest honors.
