Barcelona’s campaign for Lamine Yamal to claim the Ballon d’Or has gathered another prominent voice, with captain Raphinha insisting the teenage forward has assembled the individual brilliance, silverware and presence required to win the prize.
The voting deadline is September 28, leaving the selected 100 journalists one week to submit their choices to France Football. Yamal is among the 30 nominees and will play at Wembley against Harry Kane’s England on September 26 before the ballot closes.
Raphinha made an unequivocal case for his Barcelona and Spain colleague, saying Yamal was the outstanding candidate for the award. “Without doubt, yes,” he said when asked whether the Rocafonda-born attacker should win.
Raphinha’s case for Yamal
The Barcelona captain identified a blend of statistics, team success and the ability to light up matches as the decisive measures in the Ballon d’Or debate.
“It depends on individual numbers, collective trophies and the magic a player has on the pitch,” Raphinha said. “Charisma and all of that matter too. Those are the main points, and Lamine has everything.”
Yamal has begun the current season at an exceptional rate, averaging 1.88 goal contributions per match through goals and assists. That improves on averages of 1.00 and 0.77 in the preceding two campaigns.
Raphinha also pointed to Yamal’s record with club and country, noting that he won two of Barcelona’s three available trophies and a World Cup with Spain. The Brazilian said the forward is among the most important figures for both Barça and the national side.
“For me there is no doubt: he has to take the award,” Raphinha said. “Others will naturally support their own candidates, but it is very clear to me. Even if I were not Lamine’s team-mate, what he does on the pitch, his numbers and the trophies he has won would make the case. Titles are very important.”
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London.
