Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has weighed in on the Ballon d’Or debate, insisting that Lamine Yamal must guide his team to a Champions League or World Cup triumph if he is to claim football’s most prestigious individual honor in the near future.
The 18-year-old Barcelona winger has taken the football world by storm with his dazzling dribbles, vision, and ability to decide games at such a young age. His remarkable rise saw him finish second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, only behind Ousmane Dembélé, who was instrumental in Barcelona’s Champions League success. While Yamal’s individual talent is not in doubt, Xavi argued that collective trophies carry far greater weight when it comes to deciding the award.
“This time, the collective titles carried more weight,” Xavi told Spanish outlet Marca (via Barca Universal). “For me, of course, he deserved it. Vitinha, Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha also deserved it. There are many who deserve it, but in the end, the titles carry more weight. Lamine will win it. I’m convinced of that, but when his team wins the Champions League or the World Cup.”
The comments reflect a reality that has long defined Ballon d’Or voting. Great players often need the backing of silverware to edge their rivals. Lionel Messi’s 2021 Ballon d’Or win, for instance, was tied to Argentina’s Copa América triumph, while Luka Modrić’s success in 2018 was cemented by Croatia’s historic run to the World Cup final. Xavi believes Yamal is destined to follow a similar path — but only if he translates his brilliance into decisive roles in major tournaments.
Xavi also highlighted that Yamal was not the only player deserving recognition in 2025. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Barcelona playmaker Pedri, and winger Raphinha all had standout seasons, though Dembélé’s Champions League crown ultimately gave him the edge. “There are many who deserve it,” Xavi said, “but in the end, the titles carry more weight.”
For Yamal, the road ahead seems clear. He must lead Barcelona back to Champions League glory or inspire Spain to World Cup success if he is to turn his promise into Ballon d’Or reality. With his skillset, mentality, and rapid development, many fans and pundits agree that it is only a matter of when, not if, the youngster lifts the golden ball.
As Xavi put it, “Lamine will win it.” The question is whether his golden moment will come sooner rather than later.
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