2025 Ballon d’Or: Barcelona Stars Gavi, Raphinha Rate Lamine Yamal’s Chances of Winning
- Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal is one of the leading contenders to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or
- He faces competition from Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ousmane Dembele, who is the favourite
- Barcelona stars Gavi and Raphinha have rated the chances of their teammate winning the award
Lamine Yamal is one of the contenders to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or, and his Barcelona teammates have rated his chances of winning the coveted award.
Yamal had a brilliant season for Barcelona under manager Hansi Flick, helping the Spanish giants win the La Liga, Copa del Rey and Super Cup titles.
Source: Getty Images
He also helped Barca reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final, where they were eliminated by finalist Inter Milan after a 7-6 aggregate score line.
As noted by Transfermarkt, he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in all competitions last season, to put himself in the conversation for the Golden Ball award.
Raphinha rates Yamal's Ballon d'Or chances
Barcelona forward Raphinha has shared his thoughts about whether he or any other Barca star should win the Ballon d'Or after a remarkable season for the Spanish club.
“I think the award has to be fair, just that. Maybe what I see doesn’t matter; it’s very complicated, really. For me, it’s often a complicated prize,” he told Sport.
“What matters to me is to be the best in the world at home for my family, for my children, for the people I care about.”
The Brazilian was asked whether Yamal should win the award. He hailed his partner in crime as a spectacular player and added that he has a chance to win in many years to come.
“For me, he is a spectacular player. If it depends on him, he will be the best player in the world for many years. There is a lot of work to do, but he has the talent,” he added.
Gavi speaks about Yamal in Ballon d'Or race
Gavi backed Raphinha’s assessment of Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d'Or race, adding that he would certainly win it one if not this year.
Source: Getty Images
“I hope he wins. If he doesn’t this year, he’s 18 and very young. Being among the favorites is something unique. I am happy with what he’s doing with us,” he told RAC1, as quoted by Daily Post.
“He is an incredible player. He is getting better every day. He is amazing in training.
“He has to keep going like this, with that mentality, and I’m sure that if he doesn’t win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, he will win many in the future.”
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele is the leading favourite to win the award after helping the French champions win the UEFA Champions League.
AI predicts Ballon d'Or top 10
Legit.ng previously reported that AI predicted the Ballon d'Or winner and the rest of the top 10 ahead of the award ceremony in Paris next month.
AI backed Dembele to win the award, with Yamal coming a close second. Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer are the Premier League stars in the top 10.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
