He’s only 18 years old, but everyone’s talking about him. Lamine Yamal has earned his place among the 2025 Ballon d’Or candidates thanks to a season in which he dazzled with his talent, maturity, and elite-level numbers. In a year where Ousmane Dembélé is the frontrunner, the FC Barcelona wonderkid stands out as the most solid challenger from the new generation.

The stats that back him up

The numbers don’t lie: Yamal has already played 108 professional matches, and in the last season alone, he recorded 18 goals and 21 assists with Barça. He led the team in assists, topped the league in successful dribbles, and averaged 4.6 completed dribbles per match—the highest rate among Europe’s top five leagues. At just 18, his stats surpass many seasoned stars.

Impact in the big games

Beyond stats, Yamal delivered on the biggest stages. He was decisive in LaLiga, the Champions League, and with the Spanish national team, where he left his mark in both the Euros and the Nations League. His long-range goals, clutch assists, and ability to shift the momentum of matches made him a lethal weapon for his team.

Can he actually win it?

He has everything it takes to challenge, but there’s one strike against him: he didn’t play in the Club World Cup, where Dembélé and others shined in the final global showcase. Still, the narrative of the “wonder boy” who led a rebuilding Barça could play in his favor. If voters prioritize individual brilliance over collective trophies, Lamine Yamal could break every mold and become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history.