Barcelona’s Rising Star
Barcelona’s teenage phenom Lamine Yamal could become the youngest player ever to win the Ballon d’Or, eclipsing Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario, who captured the award at the age of 21.
Yamal, who has already begun to make a name for himself in La Liga, is still a teenager and has shown a level of skill and composure that has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, has historically been won by players in their mid‑20s or older. Ronaldo’s 1997 triumph at 21 remains one of the youngest victories in the award’s history.
While Yamal’s exact age is not specified, his rapid rise through Barcelona’s ranks and his performances on the pitch suggest he is on a trajectory that could see him break the 21‑year record.
If Yamal secures the 2026 Ballon d’Or, he would not only set a new age benchmark but also add a new chapter to the award’s storied legacy.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
