At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has already proven to be a decisive, prominent, and indispensable player in high-stakes matches.
Yamal recently showcased his immense talent in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Inter Milan. He scored a stunning goal and was twice denied by the goalposts in a match that ended in a 3-3 draw, leaving the series wide open for the return leg in Italy.
Before Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo achieved their dominance over world soccer for nearly two decades, Lamine Yamal has managed to be decisive, vital, and a leader in top notch situations before the other two could.
Moreover, Yamal could shatter Ballon d’Or records and become, by a wide margin, the youngest player ever to win the prestigious award.
Yamal vs. Messi vs. Ronaldo: Ballon d’Or timeline
during the FIFA Ballon d’or Gala at the Zurich Kongresshaus on January 10, 2011 in Zurich, Switzerland.
Messi won the first of his eight Ballon d’Or awards in 2009 at the age of 22. A year earlier, in 2008, Cristiano received the first of his five at the age of 23. However, the youngest player to ever win the award for the best player in the world in a season was Ronaldo Nazario, who was 21 when he received it in 1997.
Team success and the Ballon d’Or
Beyond his astonishing individual talent, Lamine Yamal is also experiencing the collective success with Barcelona that has historically been a necessary component for Ballon d’Or winners.
of Manchester United of Aalborg during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Manchester United and Aalborg at Old Trafford on December 10, 2008 in Manchester, England.
Already crowned Copa del Rey champions on April 26th, thanks to a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the final, and with a commanding lead in La Liga (leading Real Madrid by four points with five matchdays remaining), the most difficult task seems to be the Champions League. A victory in the semi-final 1st leg would have proved more helpful but the tie is very much alive. If Barcelona achieves the treble, there will be almost no opposition for Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d’Or race.
see also
Barcelona, Lamine Yamal receive concerning injury update on key teammate ahead of second leg vs. Inter
Lamine Yamal’s season numbers
This season, Lamine Yamal has played 49 official matches across La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup. He has accumulated a total of 15 goals and 20 assists, meaning he has been directly involved in 35 Barcelona goals.
Who is Yamal’s biggest Ballon d’Or rival?
Currently, and much will depend on the outcome of the Champions League, Ousmane Dembélé is making a strong case to challenge Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or. Dembélé has rejuvenated his career with PSG under Luis Enrique after an unhappy spell at Barcelona. He has scored 29 goals between Ligue 1, where he is already a champion, and the Champions League. His team also took a decisive step towards reaching the final by defeating Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals in England.
