He'd get my vote - German football legend settles Ballon d'Or debate, backs 17-year-old Lamine Yamal

Barcelona star, Lamine Yamal || Imago

He'd get my vote - German football legend settles Ballon d'Or debate, backs 17-year-old Lamine Yamal

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 13:15 - 09.06.2025

German legend Lothar Matthaus says Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has outshone seasoned stars and he’d vote for him to win the Ballon d’Or.

Lothar Matthaus, the legendary German international and former Ballon d’Or winner, has singled out Barcelona and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as his choice for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Speaking after witnessing Germany’s underwhelming performance, scoring just one goal in 180 minutes, Matthaus praised Yamal’s impact and maturity on the international stage despite his young age.

In his Sky Sports column, Matthaus wrote, “Lamine Yamal is currently showing that experience is not everything for the Spaniards.”

Lamine Yamal season

The 17-year-old has rapidly become a key figure for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, demonstrating exceptional skill, vision, and composure well beyond his years.

Lamine Yamal has scored absolute bangers this season.

Yamal’s importance to Barcelona cannot be overstated. He has been instrumental in the club’s attacking play, often creating chances and influencing games with his agility and technical ability.

For Spain, Yamal has injected fresh energy and creativity into the squad, helping to shape their style of play even in challenging matches such as the recent UEFA Nations League final against Portugal.

Lothar Matthaus Bayern Munich and Germany legend

Although Spain fell short in the Nations League, losing to Portugal in a tense penalty shootout, Yamal’s performances throughout the tournament have been a bright spot, signalling a promising future for both club and country.

What Matthaus said

His ability to perform on big stages at such a young age has caught the attention of football legends like Matthaus, who see in him the potential to become one of the game’s greats.

Cristiano Ronaldo led POrtugal past Spain and Lamine Yamal in the Nations League final.

“If I had a vote in the Ballon d'Or, I would give it to him,” he added.

With the Ballon d’Or race heating up, Yamal’s blend of youthful exuberance and technical excellence makes him a compelling contender, challenging the notion that only experience counts in football’s highest individual honours.