Lamine Yamal sets unprecedented Ballon d’Or benchmark before turning 20

Lamine Yamal has become the first player to finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or in three successive editions before reaching the age of 20.

The Barcelona forward was eighth in 2024, runner-up in 2025 and third in 2026, establishing a record despite still being only 19.

His rise has placed him among the leading figures in world football in a remarkably short period. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed confidence that Yamal will eventually win the Ballon d’Or.

Yamal first made a significant impact in the award’s rankings in 2024, when he finished eighth at the age of 17. Spain midfielder Rodri won that edition, ahead of Brazil forward Vinicius Junior and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The ranking followed a season in which Yamal played 50 official matches for Barcelona and scored seven goals. He also played an important part in Spain’s success at UEFA Euro 2024, which ended with victory over England in the final.

Yamal was also named the winner of the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player, that year.

Runner-up in 2025

Yamal climbed to second place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or standings, finishing behind France forward Ousmane Dembele after an outstanding campaign under German manager Hansi Flick.

He made 55 official appearances that season, scoring 18 goals and providing 21 assists. His contribution helped Barcelona complete a domestic treble by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana.

The teenager was also one of Barcelona’s most influential players during their run in the UEFA Champions League, which ended with a semi-final defeat by Inter Milan.

He retained the Kopa Trophy for a second consecutive year, further underlining his status as one of the world’s most promising young players.

Yamal’s 2026 ranking came after he scored 24 goals and supplied 18 assists in all competitions during the 2025-26 season. He helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana while continuing to play a central role in their attack.

At international level, he added the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain to the UEFA Euro 2024 title already on his record.

He was also named the best young talent at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, having won the Kopa Trophy in 2024 and 2025.

Barcelona’s La Liga fixture against Deportivo Alaves is listed for 31 October 2026.

Yamal’s achievements combine major team honours with sustained recognition in the Ballon d’Or rankings. His third-place finish in 2026 means he has reached the top 10 in each of the past three editions before his 20th birthday, while also finishing on the podium in the last two.