Barcelona star Raphinha is backing teenage team-mate Lamine Yamal to win at least three Ballons d’Or in the future.
Raphinha and Yamal have both been in outstanding form for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona this season, and it is not surprising that both players are in contention for the 2025 Ballon d’Or trophy.
Yamal won the Kopa Trophy last year, which is awarded to the best Under-21 player, and ended ninth in the Golden Ball standings. The 17-year-old has already said he is aiming for the Ballon d’Or and has been projected to win the most coveted individual award in football during his career.
However, Raphinha has emerged as a contender during a season in which he has taken up the captaincy of Barcelona owing to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term injury and has consistently proven to be an inspirational figure.
The Brazilian has 11 goals and six assists in 19 La Liga games, including two goals in Barcelona’s recent Super Cup victory against Real Madrid.
Raphinha said: “Lamine is going to win quite a few Ballons d’Or… let us say three.”Raphinha then played down his own chances of being crowned the best player on the planet: “My goal is to be a better version of myself every day. If it happens, fine, but what matters to me are the collective titles.”
More trophies may need to be delivered this season at Barcelona if Yamal or Raphinha are to lift the Ballon d’Or. The Catalans go in search of more silverware on Wednesday against Real Betis in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.