Lamine Yamal delivered a sensational display against France, lighting up the pitch and pushing his name firmly into the Ballon d’Or conversation.
The 17-year-old dazzled fans and experts alike, playing with confidence, skill, and maturity far beyond his years. His performance has not only helped Spain reach the Nations League final but has also drawn high praise from major football figures who now see him as a serious contender for football’s most prestigious individual prize.
Spain beat France 5-4 in an entertaining game at the MHPArena on Thursday evening. Yamal scored from the spot in the 54th minute and added his second in the 67th minute.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany and Bayern legend): “Ballon d’Or? Lamine should be ranked ahead of Dembélé.”
Luis De la Fuente, Spain coach: “Lamine Yamal is the best player in the world. He has spoken on the pitch, and he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Rafael Louzan, President of the Spanish Football Federation: “Lamine Yamal deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
Mikel Merino, Arsenal midfielder: “I’m not the one who decides who wins the Ballon d’Or, but there’s no doubt that Lamine has what it takes, and he proved that again today.”
Lamine joked: “If they wanted to give the Ballon d’Or on this match, I’d take it.”
