Ballon d’Or 2025: David Villa backs Lamine Yamal to win

The Spanish legend believes the 17-year-old has done enough this season to deserve football’s most prestigious individual honor. “We’ll see—I think he’s done really well. There are still a few weeks left in the season, and you know, it’s an award I never really believed in. But he’ll win it someday, that’s for sure,” Villa told Barça Universal.

Yamal has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, thanks to his standout performances in a breakout season for the Catalan club. The Spanish winger has already helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey and is on course to lift the La Liga title as well.

At just 17, his impact on the team and his consistency at the highest level have made him one of the brightest young talents in world football—and a serious candidate for the Ballon d’Or.