Following his nomination for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal is increasingly being compared to the legendary Lionel Messi, who has won the award eight times.
YAMAL SHATTERS MBAPPE RECORD
At just 17 years and 53 days old, Lamine Yamal has surpassed Kylian Mbappe’s record as the youngest Ballon d’Or nominee. Mbappe was 18 years and 293 days old when he first earned a nomination in 2017. Yamal has eclipsed this milestone by over a year.
Yamal’s inclusion in the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or follows a remarkable season with Barcelona, where he was instrumental in the team’s achievements and shone brightly for Spain at Euro 2024. His exceptional form in the 2023/24 campaign, with eight goals and 13 assists, has positioned him as a strong contender for future Ballon d’Or awards.
YAMAL RESPONDS TO MESSI COMPARISONS
Given his left-footed brilliance and role as a right-winger, comparisons to Lionel Messi were inevitable. In an interview with French publication L’Equipe, Yamal addressed these comparisons.
Yamal on Messi Comparisons:
“The most important thing is not to notice,” Yamal stated. “Being compared to the best in history means that you are doing things right. It doesn’t bother me, but I try to be me.”
Yamal also spoke about his swift ascent to Barcelona’s senior squad, expressing his desire for rapid progression in his career: “I’m a boy who doesn’t like to be at a lower level because I don’t like to relax or go too far. I like it whenever it’s harder. I’d rather not play, than play everything and make it very easy.”
CURRENT FORM
Yamal has kicked off the new season impressively, scoring once and providing four assists in the first four LaLiga matches.