Carvajal Refuses to Pick Yamal for Ballon d’Or 2025

Real Madrid skipper Dani Carvajal has spoken glowingly about Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, describing the teenager as one of the most exciting names in world football.

PulseNets learnt that Carvajal, who shares the Spanish national team dressing room with Yamal, acknowledged the youngster’s meteoric rise and admitted that the Barcelona forward could soon be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

Yamal, now 18, has enjoyed a sensational run since Euro 2024 and was instrumental in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side that secured a domestic treble last season. His dazzling form earned him a place among the 30 players nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, making him one of the most talked-about teenagers in European football.

Speaking from Spain’s training camp during the ongoing FIFA international break, Carvajal told PulseNets through Cadena SER that Yamal’s talent is beyond ordinary.

“He is certainly among the players who could be candidates for the Ballon d’Or, more so because of his age,” the Real Madrid captain noted.

“At 18, I was still at Castilla, so I understand how hard it is to make a real difference in professional football at that stage. What Lamine is doing is exceptional.”

Despite his praise, Carvajal carefully avoided joining the debate on whether the Barcelona starlet should be tipped as this year’s outright winner.

Also Read: Carvajal: Spain’s Rodri clinches 2024 Ballon d’Or, edges out Vinicius Jr., Bellingham

“Since I am not voting and I am not the captain in charge of giving it to anyone, I won’t name a winner. I will just leave it open,” Carvajal added with a smile.

Should Lamine Yamal go on to lift the 2025 Ballon d’Or, PulseNets reported he would set a historic record as the youngest player ever to claim the coveted golden trophy since its creation.