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- “He Deserved to Win the Ballon D’Or”: Xavi Hernández Breaks His Silence and Defends Lamine Yamal
“He Deserved to Win the Ballon D’Or”: Xavi Hernández Breaks His Silence and Defends Lamine Yamal
Speaking in an interview to MARCA from New York, Xavi Hernández dropped a bombshell: he claimed that Lamine Yamal already deserved the Ballon d’Or and described the teenager as “fearless, one of the chosen ones who will define an era.”
Xavi Hernández shocks the football world: "Lamine Yamal deserved the Ballon d’Or"
During the official presentation of the 2026 World Cup ball in New York, Xavi Hernández sat down with MARCA for an exclusive interview. While the former Barcelona coach reminisced about his World Cup triumph and Spain’s golden generation, it was his passionate defense of Lamine Yamal that stole the headlines.
“Of course he deserved it. For me, Lamine is pure Ballon d’Or material,” Xavi stated without hesitation. The Catalan legend’s words instantly sparked controversy, reigniting the debate around one of football’s most prestigious awards.
A prodigy with no fear
Xavi recalled the moment he gave Yamal his debut at just 15 years old. “He was ready, confident, and fearless. From the first training session, he stood out. He made a difference immediately,” said the former midfielder.
According to Xavi, these qualities separate the extraordinary from the ordinary. “From day one, you could see he was one of the chosen ones. Lamine Yamal can define a whole era in world football,” he added.
The Ballon d’Or debate
Xavi argued that collective achievements outweighed individual brilliance in this year’s award, denying Yamal the trophy. “Titles played a bigger role. But I am convinced Lamine will win it in the future. Once his team lifts the Champions League or a World Cup, nobody will doubt it,” he said.
The Spaniard also mentioned other talents like Vitinha, Salah, Pedri and Raphinha as deserving candidates, but insisted Yamal’s impact is unique. “He has no fear, no complexes. That’s what makes him special.”
Memory, legacy and the future
In the wide-ranging interview, Xavi also looked back on Spain’s 2010 World Cup win, praised players like Busquets as “the best defensive midfielder I’ve ever seen,” and highlighted Luis Enrique’s influence as a coach.
Still, it was his words on Yamal that left the strongest mark. “I’m proud I gave him the chance to debut. He’s different, fearless, and destined for greatness. I’m convinced: Lamine Yamal will be Ballon d’Or,” Xavi concluded.
