Lamine Yamal's season has put him at the centre of Ballon d'Or discussion, with MARCA describing his campaign as exceptional in a report published Monday. The Spanish outlet framed his performances as the basis of a serious case for the award.
Yamal himself has said he believes he deserves the Ballon d'Or this year, according to Channels Television. His public claim added to the debate already building around his season.
Others in football have backed him. Goal.com reported that agent Jorge Mendes said this player will win the Ballon d'Or with ease. Barca Blaugranes reported that Gabriel Jesus also said Yamal should take the award.
The attention has not gone unanswered. Daily Post Nigeria reported that Jose Mourinho responded to Yamal's comments, though the outlet's headline did not detail what he said.
The Ballon d'Or is football's most prominent individual prize, and public endorsements from figures like Mendes and Gabriel Jesus, alongside Yamal's own confidence, have shaped how his candidacy is being discussed. MARCA's assessment of his season sits at the centre of that conversation.
What to watch next: whether voting results and further public comments from figures in the game confirm or challenge the case being made for Yamal.