Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has publicly voiced his hope that three of the club’s rising stars—Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha—will receive Ballon d’Or nominations this year. Known for his integral role in Barcelona’s golden era, Xavi’s praise carries weight and reflects the promise he sees in the club’s current generation.
“I genuinely hope Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha are shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or this year,” Xavi shared in a recent interview. “They’ve earned it.” He added that their achievements evoke memories of his playing days alongside Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta. “Seeing these three together would take me back to when Leo, Andrés, and I were rewriting history. The only difference is age and experience—the talent and passion are all there.”
Pedri: The Midfield Conductor
Xavi began by praising Pedri, calling him the “mastermind” of the midfield. He likened Pedri’s poise, vision, and passing to his own playing style, suggesting the young Spaniard is a natural successor to the club’s storied tradition of midfield brilliance.
“Pedri controls the pace of the game just like I did,” Xavi said. “He brings calm and creativity to the pitch—the same traits that made our era special.”
Lamine Yamal: A Young Prodigy
Next, Xavi turned to 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, whose talent has dazzled fans worldwide. Drawing comparisons to a young Messi, Xavi described Yamal as a “natural genius” who brings excitement and flair to every match.
“Lamine reminds me of Leo when he was starting out,” Xavi remarked. “He’s fearless, inventive, and has that magic touch that can change games.”
Raphinha: The Impact Player
Xavi also highlighted Raphinha’s importance, applauding the Brazilian’s clutch performances and ability to shine in key moments. He described Raphinha as a player who thrives under pressure and delivers when it counts.
“He’s the kind of player who steps up in crucial moments, like we used to,” Xavi said, emphasizing Raphinha’s value in high-stakes matches.
Embodying Barça’s Values
Beyond their skills, Xavi praised the trio for embracing Barcelona’s core values—talent, passion, and love for the club. “They make us proud,” he said. “The Ballon d’Or isn’t just about stats—it’s about influence and inspiration. These three have both.”
To Xavi, the award represents more than personal glory; it symbolizes a player’s impact on the sport. He believes Pedri, Yamal, and Raphinha embody the qualities deserving of such recognition.
A Bright Future for Barcelona
As the Ballon d’Or announcements approach, Xavi’s words serve as a powerful endorsement of Barcelona’s next generation. For him, these young players represent a continuation of the legacy he helped build—and for fans, they offer a glimpse of a promising future
