Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has thrown his weight behind Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, tipping the teenager to claim a future Ballon d’Or.
Yamal has been a revelation at the Catalan club, shouldering the team’s ambitions and driving their pursuit of silverware this season.
“He’s a precocious talent,” Ronaldinho said. “I also love watching him because of his ability to invent. He should confirm over time that he’s doing a good job. He’ll be a big star. The next Ballon d’Or, for sure.”
Ronaldinho, a legend from his days at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, speaks from experience. His flair and triumphs made him a hero to fans, lending credibility to his bold prediction.
Yamal has already shown his worth, becoming a cornerstone for Barcelona. His breakout moment came on 20 August 2023, earning his first start in a 2–0 win over Cádiz at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The crowd roared with a standing ovation as he left the pitch with five minutes remaining, a sign of his immense talent.