In the world of soccer, there are prodigies, and then there is Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, the Spanish forward is already being tipped for future Ballon d’Or glory by none other than his own teammate, Pau Cubarsí. It’s a bold prediction, but one that seems increasingly plausible with each passing week as Yamal continues to shatter records and dazzle on the pitch.
A Meteoric Rise
Yamal’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, he made his first-team debut at the tender age of 16, becoming the youngest player to ever feature for the Catalan giants. But Yamal was just getting started.
In the 2023-24 season, the teenage sensation took his game to new heights. He became the youngest scorer in LaLiga history, netting his first senior goal in a thrilling match against Atletico Madrid. Yamal’s precocious talent was on full display as he tormented defenders with his blistering pace, mesmerizing dribbling skills, and composure in front of goal that belied his years.
Euro 2024 Breakout
Yamal’s club exploits earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team for Euro 2024, where he once again rewrote the history books. He became the youngest player to ever feature at the European Championship, breaking a record that had stood for over six decades. But Yamal wasn’t content with merely making up the numbers in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.
The La Masia graduate announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion, scoring a stunning goal against Portugal in the group stage. Yamal’s star continued to rise as Spain progressed through the tournament, with the youngster playing a key role in their eventual triumph. He was deservedly named Young Player of the Tournament, further cementing his status as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
Ballon d’Or Potential
It was this combination of precocious talent and big-game pedigree that led Yamal’s teammate, Pau Cubarsí, to make his bold Ballon d’Or prediction. Speaking to RAC 1, Cubarsí, who has played alongside Yamal for both club and country, declared: “I think he has the ability to win it [Ballon d’Or].”
“As he is right now, he’s at a spectacular level and to have him at that level in our team helps us a lot. He is full of confidence and that makes us happy.”
– Pau Cubarsí on Lamine Yamal
Cubarsí’s glowing assessment is shared by many within the game who have witnessed Yamal’s prodigious abilities first-hand. Former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o has described him as a “jewel” and a “future star”, while Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes Yamal has the potential to be “one of the best players in the world” in the coming years.
The Next Messi?
Inevitably, comparisons have been drawn between Yamal and Barcelona’s greatest ever player, Lionel Messi. Like the Argentine maestro, Yamal is a diminutive forward with a low center of gravity, incredible dribbling ability, and a lethal left foot. He even wears the iconic No. 10 shirt for Barcelona’s youth teams, further fueling the Messi parallels.
However, Yamal is determined to carve out his own unique path in the game. In a recent interview, he stated: “I want to be Lamine Yamal, not the new Messi. I want to write my own story.” It’s a level-headed approach from a young man who seems to have his feet firmly planted on the ground despite the hype and adulation surrounding him.
The Road Ahead
Of course, the road to Ballon d’Or glory is long and winding, and there are no guarantees in football. Yamal will need to maintain his current trajectory, avoiding the pitfalls of injury, loss of form, and the myriad other obstacles that can derail even the most promising of careers.
But if he can continue on his current path, there is no telling just how high Yamal’s star can soar. With his combination of raw talent, big-game temperament, and the backing of one of the world’s most storied clubs in Barcelona, the Spanish prodigy has all the tools to reach the very pinnacle of the game.
Only time will tell if Pau Cubarsí’s bold prediction comes to fruition, but one thing is for certain: Lamine Yamal is a name that football fans will be hearing a lot more of in the years to come. The future is bright for this precocious talent, and the soccer world waits with bated breath to see just how far he can go. The Ballon d’Or may just be the start.
