Xavi Hernández Makes Bold Lamine Yamal Ballon d'Or Prediction
The new Netherlands coach backed his former Barcelona star for soccer’s biggest individual prize and reflected on the generation he helped develop.
Xavi Hernández believes Lamine Yamal is destined to win the Ballon d'Or and thinks this could already be the year for the Barcelona star to claim the award.
Speaking to SPORT ahead of his managerial debut with the Netherlands, Xavi described the 19-year-old as a special, generational talent. While acknowledging Lionel Messi's strong World Cup campaign, he argued that Spain's world champions also deserve major recognition.
“Lamine is special, he's different, he's 19 and he'll undoubtedly win it, but this would be a good year for him to win it now,” Xavi said.
Xavi Takes Pride in the Barcelona Generation
The former Barça coach also reflected on his role in developing players such as Lamine Yamal, Fermín López and Pau Cubarsí during a difficult period for the club.
“We did our bit to help this generation achieve things,” Xavi said, adding that helping stabilize Barcelona during one of its toughest financial periods remains a source of pride.
He also praised Hansi Flick for continuing the club's progress and building on the young core that emerged during Xavi's tenure.
Hansi Flick Earns Praise From His Predecessor
Rather than claiming credit for everything that followed, Xavi also praised the work Hansi Flick has done since taking charge of Barcelona.
The Spanish coach believes Barça have managed to maintain the momentum of a young generation that had already started emerging during his tenure. Flick continued developing that core while helping the club regain its competitiveness domestically and in Europe.
For Xavi, seeing players he worked with at the beginning of their first-team careers continue to grow is confirmation that the work done during a particularly difficult period had lasting value.
A Familiar Philosophy Behind the Netherlands Move
Taking charge of the Netherlands also feels natural to Xavi from a footballing perspective. The coach sees a deep connection between Dutch football tradition and the philosophy historically associated with Barcelona.
“We have many connections with this country at a footballing level. People want to see attacking football, they want to see positional play, the same philosophy we have in FC Barcelona. I feel this connection,” he explained.
That shared identity was one of the reasons he accepted a four-year deal with the Dutch federation and began his first job in international management.
Xavi Hernández Begins Against Jürgen Klopp’s Germany
His new chapter will begin with an immediate test. The Netherlands host Jürgen Klopp’s Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam in the UEFA Nations League.
Xavi will be without two important creative players in Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons, both sidelined through injury. Even so, the coach remains confident in his squad and intends to establish his attacking, possession-based principles from the very first match.
After facing Germany, the Netherlands will also take on Serbia and Greece, giving Xavi little time to implement his ideas during a demanding opening stretch.
What Xavi’s Comments Reveal About Lamine Yamal and His New Chapter
- Xavi Hernández believes Lamine Yamal will eventually win the Ballon d'Or and thinks this could already be his year.
- The coach remains proud of helping develop players such as Lamine Yamal, Fermín López and Pau Cubarsí, while also praising Hansi Flick’s work.
- Xavi sees a strong footballing connection between Barcelona and the Netherlands as he begins his new international project.
