Barcelona’s season has opened at full speed, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha driving a run that has given the Catalan club its most convincing start for some time. While attention turns towards the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on 26 October, the debate has centred on Yamal’s extraordinary rise rather than the Brazilian’s equally prolific early form.
Barcelona’s two-wing surge
Raphinha has begun the campaign in historic fashion for Barça, producing performances that have helped lift those around him as well as supplying his own decisive moments. Yet he is not viewed as a Ballon d’Or contender.
Yamal, meanwhile, arrives in the conversation after a season in which he won La Liga with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain. The Spanish international is among the leading names for the individual prize, although there is no overwhelming favourite in a field widely regarded as unusually open.
- The Ballon d’Or gala is scheduled for London on 26 October.
- Yamal is one of the principal candidates for the award.
- Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane are also prominent in the discussion.
- Yamal has publicly argued that he deserves the prize ahead of Mbappé.
- Raphinha’s outstanding Barcelona start has not placed him among the main candidates.
Milla backs Yamal despite Fabián case
Como midfielder Luis Milla believes Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabián Ruiz has the strongest claim when trophies and overall level are considered. Even so, Milla said he would hand the award to Yamal, praising the Barcelona winger’s impact, style and remarkable youth.
“There is uncertainty because no case is completely clear,” Milla said. “If the decision came down to achievements and level, Fabián would be the best choice. But right now I would give it to Lamine Yamal. His flair, his age and what he can do are incredible.”
Milla also highlighted Raphinha’s broader contribution at Barcelona, describing him as a highly complete player who improves his teammates, while maintaining that the Brazilian is outside the Ballon d’Or race.
For Milla, a win for Yamal at the age of 19 would be a spectacular moment and a deserved reward for the winger’s season across club and international football.
