One of the favourites for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Yamal has been compared with the man with the player who has won eight awards
After being nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, comparisons between Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi continue to grow, and the youngster has finally to the comparisons.
Yamal shatters Mbappe record
At just 17 years and 53 days old, Lamine Yamal has shattered Kylian Mbappe’s previous record as the youngest Ballon d’Or nominee.
Mbappe was 18 years and 293 days old when he earned his first nomination in 2017, and the Barcelona star has now eclipsed that record by more than a year.
Yamal’s inclusion in the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or comes after a stunning breakout season for Barcelona, where he played a key role in the team’s success and a starring role for Spain at Euro 2024.
Yamal’s incredible form in the 2023/24 campaign, where he scored eight goals and provided 13 assists, has propelled him into the upper echelons of football, with his potential to win future Ballon d’Or awards now a serious consideration.
Yamal replies to Messi comparisons
Given his left-footed brilliance and position as a right-winger, comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi were inevitable, and speaking to French publication L’Equipe, Yamal addressed the parallels.
When asked about comparisons to Messi, Yamal responded, “The most important thing is not to notice.
“Being compared to the best in history means that you are doing things right. It doesn’t bother me, but I try to be me.”
He also reflected on his quick promotion to Barcelona’s senior squad, noting that he was eager to move fast in his career, adding, “I’m a boy who doesn’t like to be at a lower level because I don’t like to relax or go too far. I like it whenever it’s harder. I’d rather not play, than play everything and make it very easy.”
Yamal has already started the new campaign with flying colours, scoring once and providing four assists in the opening four LaLiga matches of the season.