 |
But in 2025, a phenomenon is forcing experts to reconsider the entire criteria for awarding prizes. Lamine Yamal - 17 years old, not old enough to drink in most European countries - is rewriting the history of world football.
Records are made to be broken
Three decades ago, Ronaldo Nazário shook the football world when he became the youngest Ballon d'Or winner at the age of 21. His 49 goals in 47 games that season are still considered a milestone that few can match. However, history is witnessing an even more extraordinary story.
Yamal is more than just a promising young talent. At 17, he has become the pivot of Barcelona's play under Hansi Flick. Not a star waiting to shine, but a shining light leading the Catalan giants towards titles such as Copa del Rey, La Liga
"Relax, I'm here" - Lamine Yamal's confident words after a stunning strike past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibault Courtois were not only a memorable moment in El Clasico, but also the declaration of a champion. While his peers were still struggling with their studies and emotional maturity, Yamal displayed a leadership temperament rarely seen in the biggest stars.
It is not easy for a young player to take on the responsibility of the most prestigious club in the world, where the pressure to win is always present and every mistake is magnified. Yet Yamal does it with an astonishing composure, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years.
 |
Lamine Yamal is playing very well this season. |
In an era where data analytics dominates football, Yamal’s achievements are not only impressive but revolutionary. His 16 goals and 21 assists in 52 games are a testament to his rare all-round ability. It’s no coincidence that the market values him at €180 million – more than double the value of his predecessor Ousmane Dembele (€75 million).
These numbers are even more impressive when considering the context that Yamal is not just a conventional attacking winger but also a creative soul, a link-up man, and sometimes, a problem solver when Barcelona need him most.
Dembele - who starred for Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain - is seen as Yamal's main rival in the race for the Ballon d'Or. However, the comparison is becoming increasingly lopsided.
While Dembele has the advantage of PSG reaching the Champions League final, Yamal has a greater advantage when playing in La Liga - a tournament with superior competition and prestige compared to Ligue 1. Barcelona have to fight in a much more pressurized environment than PSG - a team that dominates the domestic league almost by default.
Moreover, not only is there a difference in market value (180 million versus 75 million euros), Yamal's stability and influence are much greater than Dembele's. Yamal is not a star who explodes and then disappears, but a stable phenomenon throughout the season.
Recognition from great minds
When true champions acknowledge your talent, it's the strongest testament to true class. Rodri - the current Ballon d'Or winner - has made no bones about claiming Yamal will win the award soon. Hansi Flick, who led Bayern Munich to a historic sextuple, has called him a "genius". Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi has even admitted there is "no way to stop" the young talent.
These compliments are not empty or formal. They are sincere recognitions from those who know football best. They see in Yamal not only top-notch skills but also the spirit of a champion.
 |
Lamine Yamal is a candidate in the race for the Ballon d'Or. |
With all the acclaim and praise, Yamal is under enormous pressure. But what sets him apart is his ability to turn pressure into motivation. Barcelona no longer has Lionel Messi to rely on, and in that void, Yamal has stepped up to the plate, despite not being old enough to drive in many European countries.
Yamal's potential lies not only in what he has done, but also in what he can achieve in the future. When most players start their careers at the age of 17-18, Yamal has become an icon and could become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history, breaking the three-decade record of "Fat" Ronaldo.
Football is sometimes unfair, and the Ballon d'Or is often influenced by factors outside of professional experience. However, if this award truly honors outstanding talent, no one is more deserving than Yamal.
We are witnessing the birth of a legend - a player who could redefine the way we look at football for decades to come. And when history is written, the 2025 Ballon d'Or will be the starting point of a new era - the era of the genius from Rocafonda.
If justice is not served this year, perhaps it is time to question the true value of this prestigious award. Because if it is not to honor exceptional talents like Lamine Yamal, what does the Ballon d'Or exist for?
Source: https://znews.vn/lamine-yamal-pha-vo-moi-quy-chuan-trong-cuoc-dua-qua-bong-vang-post1552985.html
Comment (0)