Lamine Yamal Keeps His Feet on the Ground Amid Ballon d’Or Buzz

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal distances himself from Cristiano Ronaldo comparisons as Ballon d’Or hopes grow

In a football world often dominated by bold claims, big egos, and statements designed to stir debate, Lamine Yamal has taken a refreshingly humble path. The 17-year-old Barcelona sensation, who is already being tipped as a Ballon d’Or contender, has shown he is not in any rush to crown himself king—unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, whose confident self-proclamation as the greatest of all time earlier this year made headlines around the globe.

Ronaldo’s GOAT Claim Still Echoes

Back in January, Ronaldo didn’t shy away from controversy when he boldly stated he was the greatest footballer in history—placing himself above not just long-time rival Lionel Messi, but also footballing icons like Diego Maradona, Pelé, and the next generation, including Yamal. Unsurprisingly, the comment drew criticism in some quarters, with detractors branding the Portuguese legend as arrogant.

It’s that very reaction that perhaps prompted one journalist to carefully phrase a question during Yamal’s recent interview with El Partidazo de COPE. They asked the rising star: “Are you ashamed to say that maybe, for you, you are the best player of the year? That happened to Cristiano, who said it, and then people said he was a jerk. But maybe you think you deserve the trophy?”

It was a pointed question, and one designed to test the maturity of the teenager who has taken La Liga by storm.

Yamal Responds with Grace and Clarity

Lamine Yamal is a breath of fresh air

To his credit, Yamal gave an answer that belied his age. Calm, collected, and diplomatic, he brushed aside the hype and delivered a response that speaks volumes about his mentality.

“I don’t think about it,” he said. “You’ll be in trouble if you think about winning the Ballon d’Or. You think about playing, winning, and it will come. If I win the Champions League and the World Cup next year, it will come. It’s about enjoying it and letting it come when it has to.”

It’s the kind of answer you’d expect from a seasoned veteran—not a player who is still technically school-aged.

A Season to Remember for the Barcelona Wonderkid

Whether he likes it or not, Yamal is firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. His numbers from the 2024-25 season are jaw-dropping: 43 combined goals and assists, a starring role in Barcelona’s domestic treble—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España—and performances that have left fans and pundits alike stunned.

He’s not just scoring or assisting; he’s dominating games, dictating tempo, and dazzling with flair and maturity that has drawn comparisons to both Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta in their youth. And yet, there’s something distinctly unique about Yamal—a presence and poise that can’t be easily taught.

The Road Ahead: Competition and Perspective

Despite his phenomenal campaign, Yamal will face stiff competition when the Ballon d’Or is handed out in September. His own teammate Raphinha has had an excellent season, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah continues to shine in the Premier League. Ousmane Dembélé, now the talisman at Paris Saint-Germain, is also widely tipped as a frontrunner—especially if PSG win the Champions League.

And let’s not forget that the UEFA Nations League, which resumes in early June, won’t carry the same weight as the Euros or World Cup. Spain are set to face France in the semi-finals, with a potential final against either Germany or Portugal. It’s an opportunity for Yamal to add to his international medal haul after last year’s Euro 2024 triumph—but it’s unlikely to tip the Ballon d’Or scales too much.

Records Within Reach

Should Yamal go on to win the Ballon d’Or either this year or in the next few, he stands on the brink of history. The youngest ever recipient of the award is Ronaldo Nazário, who was just 21 years and three months when he scooped the prize in 1997.

Yamal, who would be just 21 years and two months in 2028, has four clear chances—2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028—to break that long-standing record. Given his current trajectory, it seems more a matter of when than if.

Club World Cup Absence Could Prove Costly

Yamal Responds with Grace and Clarity

There’s one potential hitch in his Ballon d’Or campaign: the FIFA Club World Cup. Barcelona will not be participating, meaning Yamal won’t have that high-profile stage to showcase his talents and add silverware to his season. That could prove decisive, especially if someone like Dembélé lights it up for PSG on that stage.

But again, Yamal doesn’t seem too worried. He’s not campaigning, he’s not posturing, and he’s certainly not declaring himself the best in the world. He’s playing his football, keeping his head down, and letting the results speak for themselves.

A Refreshing Reminder in Modern Football

In a sport increasingly filled with noise—both on social media and in post-match interviews—Lamine Yamal is a breath of fresh air. His answer to a loaded question wasn’t just respectful—it was mature, measured, and focused.

He’s clearly ambitious. You don’t get to where he is without self-belief. But Yamal also understands the dangers of buying into your own hype too soon. It’s that balance—between humility and hunger—that could not only make him the youngest Ballon d’Or winner of all time, but also a generational icon in the making.

For now, he’s content to let others talk, while he does the work on the pitch. And that might just be the smartest move of all.