Gavi backs 'special' Lamine Yamal to win Ballon d'Or as Raphinha calls Barcelona star a 'spectacular player'

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Gavi believes Lamine Yamal is a more than worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or, but insisted time is on the 18-year-old's side should he not win the award this year. Despite his tender age, Yamal became an integral part of Hansi Flick's side in what was a brilliant domestic campaign last season. Raphinha also praised Yamal's performances and said the winger has many more years at the highest level.

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Barcelona midfielder Gavi is backing Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or following an outstanding start to his career.

Yamal has been lauded as "the best player in the world" in his position by president Joan Laporta, describing the 18-year-old as a "genius."

The winger scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists in the 2024/25 campaign, as Barca claimed a domestic treble.

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He faces stiff competition from the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha and Cole Palmer, and Gavi hopes his team-mate can win arguably the most prestigious individual prize in football this year.

When asked about Yamal's Ballon d'Or chances, he told Diario AS: "I hope he does [win the Ballon d'Or]."

"If not this year, he’s only 18 and still very young. Being among the favourites already is something special. I’m happy with everything he’s doing with us."

The midfielder also lauded the arrival of Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan from Manchester United, and was keen to skate over Barca's failure to sign international team-mate Nico Williams from Athletic Club.

Rashford made his debut in a 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Vissel Kobe, and followed that up with an assist for Ferran Torres in a 7-3 victory against FC Seoul.

Gavi managed to get on the scoresheet against the South Korean side alongside Robert Lewandowski and Andreas Christensen, while Yamal and Torres scored twice each.

"Everyone knows Nico is a great player — he always proves it with the national team," Gavi continued.

"I’m happy Marcus joined us because he’s an incredible player. We’re very happy with his signing."

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Raphinha: Yamal 'a spectacular player'

Raphinha also waxed lyrical about Yamal's ability, but stopped short of tipping the teenager for Ballon d'Or glory.

The Brazilian made a very strong claim to win the award himself after an incredible campaign last season, scoring 34 goals and claiming 25 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions.

He told SPORT: "I think the award has to be fair, just that."

"Maybe what I see doesn’t matter, it’s very complicated, really. For me, it’s often a complicated prize, but what matters to me is to be the best in the world at home for my family, for my children, for the people I care about."

Speaking specifically about Yamal's chances, he added: "For me, he is a spectacular player; if it depends on him, he will be the best player in the world for many years.

"There is a lot of work to do, but he has the talent."

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