World footballing legend believes Yamal can win the Ballon d’Or “not just once but several times”
Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has backed Lamine Yamal to become football’s next icon. The Brazilian knows a thing or two about dazzling the world with a football at his feet, so when he singles out a young talent as the sport’s next great hope, people listen.
“Messi and I have already made history, now it’s Lamine Yamal’s turn,” Ronaldinho told Marca. “What he’s shown so far, at such a young age and with so much talent, is extraordinary. I like watching players like him; they’re good for football. I hope he can have a career like ours.”
It’s rare for someone as universally admired as Ronaldinho to heap such high praise on a teenager, but Yamal’s rapid rise has made him impossible to ignore. At just 17, he has already played in key matches for both Barcelona and Spain, breaking records and stunning seasoned defenders with his technique, confidence and creativity. Comparisons to Lionel Messi have inevitably emerged, but Ronaldinho prefers a different framing.
“I’ve never liked those kinds of comparisons because every footballer has his own unique style of play,” he said. “The important thing is that Lamine Yamal brings joy to the people, like I did in my time, or like Messi did later. I hope he continues the potential he’s shown to date.”
The idea that a player who hasn’t even turned 18 can compete for the most prestigious individual honour in football might sound far-fetched, but only until you’ve watched Yamal play. The youngster has impressed even the hardest critics with his vision, decision-making, fearlessness on the ball, and more importantly, end product. He has now been widely tipped to become the youngest ever player to win the Ballon d’Or, and Ronaldinho thinks the award is within reach.
“Lamine Yamal is on the level of winning the Ballon d’Or,” said Ronaldinho. “There are other great players in the world, but he’s among them.
“It’s surprising because he’s so young, but he can make history by winning it not just once, but several times.”
