Soccer
Why Does Lamine Yamal Deserve to Win the Ballon d'Or?
At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal has a chance to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history. His 24 goals, 18 assists, trophies with Barcelona and World Cup triumph with Spain make a compelling case.… Show More
At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal has a chance to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history. His 24 goals, 18 assists, trophies with Barcelona and World Cup triumph with Spain make a compelling case.
At 19, Lamine Yamal has an opportunity to achieve something no other soccer star has managed: win the Ballon d'Or at such a young age.
The Barcelona forward is aiming to break Ronaldo Nazário's record, set when the Brazilian legend won the award at 21.
But Yamal's case is about much more than his age. His attacking production, influence on matches and trophies won throughout the year have made him a serious contender for soccer's most prestigious individual honor.
The Spanish international has established himself as one of Barcelona's leading players and was also part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup.
Lamine Yamal's numbers: 24 goals and 18 assists for Barcelona
One of the strongest arguments supporting Yamal's Ballon d'Or candidacy is his attacking output.
The Spanish winger recorded 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances for Barcelona, directly contributing to 42 goals.
His individual performances were accompanied by two major trophies: LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup.
Although Barcelona were eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals and the Copa del Rey semifinals, Yamal was one of the team's driving forces in their attempts to turn those ties around.
Across the two knockout ties, he contributed a goal and an assist, showing his willingness to take responsibility in high-pressure moments.
Spain's World Cup triumph: a major argument for the Ballon d'Or
Beyond his performances for Barcelona, winning the World Cup with Spain stands out as one of the strongest elements of Yamal's candidacy.
The national team, led by Luis de la Fuente, lifted the trophy in New York, adding one of the biggest achievements in international soccer to the young forward's résumé.
However, Yamal's individual contribution was affected by physical problems.
He arrived at the tournament short of full fitness and struggled to reproduce his best form. Across eight appearances, he recorded one goal and one assist.
While those statistics fell short of his remarkable Barcelona numbers, the World Cup title remains a major collective achievement that strengthens his case for the Ballon d'Or.
Could Lamine Yamal break Ronaldo Nazário's Ballon d'Or record?
The possibility of winning the award at 19 adds a historic dimension to Yamal's candidacy.
Ronaldo Nazário holds the record as the youngest Ballon d'Or winner, having claimed the prize at 21.
Yamal now has an opportunity to surpass that milestone and become the first player to win the award before turning 20.
His individual performances and team achievements put him firmly in the conversation, although he faces competition from other players who have also enjoyed outstanding seasons.
What do Hansi Flick, Luis de la Fuente and Lamine Yamal say?
The debate surrounding Yamal's credentials also involves those who have witnessed his development firsthand.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona's head coach, and Luis de la Fuente, Spain's national team manager, understand the young forward's influence at both club and international level.
The video accompanying this article brings together comments from both coaches, statements from Yamal himself and the statistics behind his Ballon d'Or candidacy.
Their perspectives help illustrate the impact of a player who, at just 19, is already competing for one of the sport's greatest individual honors.
Lamine Yamal and Mbappé renew their rivalry in El Clásico
As the Ballon d'Or discussion continues, Yamal faces another opportunity to showcase his talent on one of soccer's biggest stages.
Barcelona host Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou this Sunday, setting up another meeting between the Spanish youngster and Kylian Mbappé.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET, Eastern Time in the United States.
El Clásico will add another chapter to a rivalry that promises to develop over the coming years, giving both stars another chance to shine in a high-profile encounter.
Three reasons Lamine Yamal could make Ballon d'Or history
- Outstanding attacking numbers: He scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists in 45 Barcelona appearances, directly contributing to 42 goals.
- Major trophies: He won LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, as well as the World Cup with Spain.
- A historic opportunity: At 19, he could surpass Ronaldo Nazário as the youngest Ballon d'Or winner ever.
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