Former Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu has publicly thrown his weight behind Lamine Yamal’s bid for the Ballon d’Or, insisting that the 18-year-old is already the finest creator in world football. Deulofeu, who spent years honing his craft at Camp Nou and across Europe, knows exactly what makes a player truly exceptional, and for him, Yamal fits that description perfectly.
Speaking at the presentation of the European Super Cup between PSG and Tottenham, Deulofeu made it clear that his praise isn’t based on fandom or favoritism. “It’s not about who I want to win,” he said. “As a football player, as someone who watches the sport every day, and having followed Barcelona closely over the years, there is no doubt in my mind that the best creator in football this year is Lamine Yamal.” His words underline a broader truth: talent and vision on the pitch can shine through even when youth or reputation might work against a player.
Deulofeu addressed the inevitable questions surrounding Yamal’s age and the absence of a Champions League title. “Yes, he’s young,” he acknowledged. “And yes, there may be players with more trophies or more experience. But if you really watch the matches, the player who defines the game and dictates creativity is Lamine Yamal. For me, that is undeniable.” By framing Yamal’s accomplishments in terms of pure influence and artistry on the field, Deulofeu emphasizes a quality often overlooked in award debates: the ability to change a game through vision and technical brilliance, not just silverware.
Beyond his creative genius, Yamal’s versatility also caught Deulofeu’s attention. “He’s a player with a lot of room to improve,” he explained. “I’m curious to see him take on new roles, perhaps deeper on the field or in different positions. But what excites me most is his capacity to create—players like that make watching football a joy. Seeing him at Barcelona, developing every day, is thrilling.” In highlighting both his immediate impact and future potential, Deulofeu frames Yamal not just as a young prodigy, but as a player poised to redefine the art of attacking football.
While it remains to be seen whether Ballon d’Or voters will share Deulofeu’s perspective, his conviction is clear: Lamine Yamal’s creativity, intelligence, and technical skill have already set him apart from his peers. For Deulofeu, the question isn’t whether Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or—it’s about recognizing the prodigious talent that is already reshaping the footballing landscape.
