In a bold statement in New York, Xavi Hernández has made it clear who he believes deserves the Ballon d’Or: Lamine Yamal, not Ousmane Dembélé.
As the former Barcelona coach who introduced Yamal to the world at just 15 years old, Xavi insists, “From day one, we knew Lamine was destined for greatness and tailored for the Ballon d’Or.”
While Dembélé’s name has been floated in discussions about the prestigious award, Xavi argues that the collective achievements of teams are what truly count. He acknowledged that many players, including Vitinha, Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha, also deserved recognition, but in the end, it’s the trophies that shape a player’s legacy. He firmly stated, “This time, the collective titles mattered more.”
For Xavi, Yamal is not just another promising player; he is a phenomenon ready to leave a mark on football history. He proclaimed, “He has no complexes and no fears. For me, he is among the chosen ones and can usher in a new era in global football.”
Xavi’s Bold Prediction for Yamal’s Future
In a statement that is bound to stir excitement, Xavi expressed his confidence that the coveted trophy will soon be in Yamal’s hands. “Lamine will win it, I’m convinced, but it will come when his team clinches the Champions League or a World Cup,” he remarked, emphasizing that it’s just a matter of time before Yamal’s brilliance shines on the biggest stage.
The contrast between Dembélé and Yamal is striking. Dembélé remains an enigma at PSG, struggling to find consistent form, while the 18-year-old Yamal appears ready to embrace his potential as a future Ballon d’Or winner.
This shift in narrative has Spain dreaming of what Yamal can achieve, as he resembles the completed version of what Dembélé might have been if he had harnessed his talent effectively.
Related Posts:
