Ronaldinho Predicts Lamine Yamal Will Win the Next Ballon d'Or

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is quickly becoming one of the brightest stars in world football. The Barcelona winger has already amassed 13 goals and 19 assists across 42 appearances this season, helping his club to top positions in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey final, and the Champions League semifinals against Borussia Dortmund.

Following his standout performances for Spain in their Euro 2024 triumph, Yamal has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi — but now he has received praise from another Barça legend.

Speaking to L’Équipe, Ronaldinho boldly claimed that Yamal is destined to win the Ballon d’Or.
“He’s a precocious talent. I love watching him because he’s inventive. If he continues to work hard, he’ll become a huge star. The next Ballon d’Or winner, for sure,” said the Brazilian, who won the award himself in 2005.

Ronaldinho also weighed in on Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid, saying it could be the key to winning the trophies he still lacks: “He’s at a historic club that should help him grow and win what he’s missing.”

He didn’t stop there. The former PSG player praised Ousmane Dembélé’s resurgence in Paris: “He’s got a Brazilian flair. He dribbles, creates, provokes — he’s unpredictable and scores often. He’s finding his role.”