Former Barcelona manager **Xavi Hernández** has lavished praise on teenage sensation **Lamine Yamal**, insisting the youngster was worthy of this year’s Ballon d’Or and predicting he will one day win the prestigious award.
Speaking in an interview with *Marca*, Xavi admitted that this year’s voting leaned heavily toward team success, but made it clear where his personal vote would have gone.
> “This time, team titles weighed more. For me, of course, Lamine Yamal deserved it. Vitinha, Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha too… Many players were worthy, but in the end, the titles count more. Lamine will win it — I’m sure of that. But only if his team wins the Champions League or a World Cup.”
Xavi went on to express immense pride in having handed Yamal his first-team debut, recalling the youngster’s confidence and maturity even as a 15-year-old.
> “I’m very proud of what Lamine is doing and of giving him the chance to debut. He was ready — confident, full of talent, and never afraid. From the very first day, he stood out. He’s a chosen one who can define an era in world football.”
When asked if he foresaw Yamal’s rapid rise to stardom, Xavi’s response was emphatic:
> “Yes, without a doubt. We discussed it among the staff. We said he had Ballon d’Or potential. Watching him train, you could already see something different — you immediately knew he was special.”
For Xavi, Yamal’s brilliance is no surprise — only the beginning of a career that could soon make history.
