Atletico Madrid legend in awe of Barcelona rising star – ‘We’re looking at the next Ballon d’Or winner’ | OneFootball

Just into his second full season with Barcelona, Lamine Yamal is already one of the faces of the team and one of the most important players in the Spain national team.

Only 17 years old, the La Masia graduate already won the Golden Boy and the Kopa Trophy awards in 2024 but bigger and better things are expected of the youngster.

Indeed, Lamine has already been tipped as a future Ballon d’Or winner by many greats of the game, including Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lamine’s list of admirers continues to grow, and the latest to join the ranks is Paulo Futre, a legendary figure in Portuguese football, best known for his time at Porto and Atletico Madrid.

Paulo Futre backs Lamine for Ballon d’Or

In an interview on Que T’hi Jugues (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Futre predicted a dominant future for the 17-year-old Barcelona winger.

Future Ballon d’Or winner? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Lamine is a phenomenon, we are looking at the next Ballon d’Or winner and I don’t know how many times he will be in a few years’ time because he can win several,” said Futre.

A dribbling maestro in the 1980s and 90s, Futre sees in Lamine the hallmarks of the world’s greatest players.

“Lamine plays with an incredible personality, quality and winning character,” the Atletico Madrid icon stated.

When asked which Barcelona player he would sign for Atlético Madrid, his choice was clear.

“If I had to sign one, it would be Lamine, although Raphinha and Pedri are also there,’ he listed,” he added.