Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Stuns Zidane, Eyes Ballon d’Or Glory

Football fans around the world are buzzing after Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane showered praise on Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, following a jaw-dropping season with the Catalan giants.

At just 17 years old, Yamal has stunned the football world with an incredible 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches during the 2024/25 season.

His standout performances helped Barcelona secure a domestic treble, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup under manager Hansi Flick.

But it wasn’t just the numbers that impressed fans and critics alike—it was the style in which Yamal played.

Known for his fearless dribbling, sharp vision, and calm decision-making under pressure, he has proven himself to be far more mature than his age suggests.

Even Zinedine Zidane, a Real Madrid icon and one of the greatest football minds, couldn’t hide his admiration. Speaking after Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash with Inter Milan, Zidane said:

“His second half against Inter Milan… I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. To see someone in such control on the pitch is pretty fantastic. We all enjoy watching him play.”

For a former Madrid manager and a rival to praise a Barcelona player, especially so openly, speaks volumes about Yamal’s impact this season.

The young star’s influence hasn’t gone unnoticed on the global stage either. With Euro 2024 now behind him, Yamal is already being tipped as a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

He’s up against big names like Raphinha, his Barcelona teammate, who netted 34 goals and 25 assists, and Ousmane Dembele of PSG, another frontrunner if his team wins the Champions League.

Yamal’s quick rise to stardom is a testament to Barcelona’s trust in youth and the excellence of their famed La Masia academy.

While the Ballon d’Or race is still wide open, one thing is clear—Lamine Yamal is no longer just a promising talent; he’s already a star.