Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has spoken highly of Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, tipping the teenager as a potential candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Carvajal and Yamal, who are teammates with the Spanish national team, are currently on international duty. The Madrid right-back hailed the 18-year-old’s remarkable rise, highlighting how rare it is to shine so brightly at such a young age.
“He could be among the candidates for the Ballon d’Or, especially because of his youth,” Carvajal told Cadena SER. “In the end, let’s not forget that he’s 18, and that I was at Castilla when I was 18, so it’s very difficult to make a difference at that age in professional football.
“Since I’m not going to vote, I’m not going to give it to anyone because I’m not the captain, so I’m off the hook.”
Yamal has enjoyed a meteoric rise since Euro 2024, playing a pivotal role in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side that secured a domestic treble last season. His performances have earned him a spot among the 30 nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Should Yamal win, he would become the youngest ever recipient of the prestigious award.
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