Lamine Yamal says becoming youngest Ballon d'Or winner would be 'something incredible' as Barcelona star reveals key to Hansi Flick impact
ByTNT UK
Updated 13/09/2025 at 23:37 GMT+1
Lamine Yamal is in line to go head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele in the race to claim the most coveted individual honour in world football this year. Barcelona star Yamal would surpass Ronaldo Nazario as the youngest winner of the prize aged just 18 years if he lifts the gong at the Theatre du Chatelet on September 22 in Paris.
'He has it all' - Yamal backed to become a 'football legend' by De La Fuente
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Lamine Yamal has admitted that becoming the youngest recipient of the Ballon d'Or later this month would be the culmination of "something incredible" - but he will stop at nothing to fulfil his ultimate dream should he fall short on this occasion.
Yamal enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season with Barcelona, notching 18 goals and providing 25 assists across all competitions.
The Spain star would eclipse Ronaldo Nazario's record if he is to claim the greatest individual accolade in world football on September 22 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Back in December 1997, Ronaldo was aged 21 when he lifted the gong following an outstanding year in which he won the Copa America with Brazil following the Copa del Rey success with Barcelona, where he was also top scorer in La Liga, to earn him a move to Internazionale.
Yamal, who does not turn 19 until next July, would smash that record if he sees off competition for the ultimate honour, but he is staying grounded as he eyes more success having helped Barca clinch the Liga title last term.
In an interview with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Yamal said: "Winning the Ballon d’Or at the age of 18 would be something incredible, but if it doesn’t come now, I’m going to keep working to improve every day.
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'He has it all' - Yamal backed to become a 'football legend' by De La Fuente
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"That’s how it is. It would be a dream, of course. The Ballon d’Or is one of the greatest awards a footballer can receive. If it happens, I would celebrate it with my family and friends, they are the ones who have been with me at all times."
Yamal is expected to face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele, who was at the forefront of his side becoming champions of Europe last season.
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The Frenchman's individual redemption story since leaving Barcelona places him as the favourite for the prize, underlined by his 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions last term.
Yamal has praised the impact of his manager Hansi Flick in bringing out the qualities that have placed him in contention for the award.
"Flick gives me a lot of confidence and tells me to enjoy, to be brave, and not to lose my essence of play," he continued.
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"I talk to him a lot. That gives me a lot of peace of mind when it comes to going out to play."
For Yamal, the 2025/26 campaign could be even more fruitful with the promise of international acclaim at next summer's World Cup with Spain.
He has already earned 23 caps for La Roja, scoring six goals while providing 12 assists, and the player is focused more on collective honours than individual success.
"Winning a World Cup is the dream of any footballer," he added. "It would be something historic, but we have to go step by step with humility, knowing that we can achieve it."
Luis de la Fuente is among Yamal's biggest supporters, and in an interview with El Larguero, Spain's head coach has backed his players to rank highly on awards night in Paris.
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"I would give the Ballon d’Or to a Spaniard, and I’d be happy if it went to Fabian [Ruiz] or to Lamine Yamal," he said.
"One thing is what gets projected outward, and another is his inner world. He [Yamal] is a kid who works in the gym, with the physio, with the nutritionist, psychological care," he said.
"He started with us at 16 years old and has shown incredible maturity. He handles the pressure he’s under naturally and with admirable control.
"When I talk to him privately, of course, he’s still a kid, but I’m amazed at the reflections he makes. I’m glad he is that way."
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