Zlatan Ibrahimovic backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has placed Lamine Yamal at the centre of his Ballon d’Or prediction, highlighting the Barcelona teenager’s remarkable rise and growing influence on the biggest stages.

In a quick-fire segment shared by ESPN FC, the former Barcelona striker was asked to name his choices for the season’s major honours. His answer for the individual award was clear: “Lamine Yamal.”

The endorsement comes after a powerful start to the campaign for Yamal. The 19-year-old has registered 11 goals and seven assists across his first 10 appearances for Barcelona and Spain, figures that have quickly pushed him into serious contention for football’s most prestigious individual prize. His performances, combined with his impact at the World Cup, have strengthened the belief that he can challenge the sport’s established superstars.

Ibrahimovic also selected Barcelona to win both La Liga and the Champions League, signalling his confidence in Hansi Flick’s team. The Catalan club are pursuing a third consecutive league title while hoping to make a deeper European run. Their strong results before the international break have added momentum to those ambitions.

For Yamal, Ibrahimovic’s prediction offers another reminder of how far his reputation has grown. The young winger is no longer viewed only as a promising talent; he is increasingly being discussed as a potential Ballon d’Or winner.