La Liga president Javier Tebas believes that Lamine Yamal only missed out on the 2025 Ballon d'Or because of his age. The Barcelona superstar was pipped to the post by Paris Saint-Germain ace Ousmane Dembele, but Tebas believes it is only a matter of time before the teenager picks up the prize as the world's best footballer.
Yamal beaten by Dembele
Dembele was crowned the Ballon d'Or winner on Monday evening as a reward for leading Paris Saint-Germain to treble glory in the 2024-25 campaign. Yamal finished second in the voting, at the age of just 18, and Tebas believes that the Barcelona superstar was only overlooked because of his youth.
AdvertisementAFPYamal's superb season
The teenager scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists in 55 games in all competitions last season, as Barca won La Liga and the Copa del Rey, and he was crowned the winner of the Kopa Trophy; the prize given to the best player under the age of 21. Yamal is the first player ever to win the award twice.
Tebas predicts the future
Tebas told reporters: "If he had been older than 23, he would have won it, too, I'm sure, but since he was younger, they gave him the other one [Kopa trophy]."
He added: "If he continues at the level he's at, which seems likely, I think there's no doubt he'll win the Ballon d'Or."
Getty ImagesYamal nearing return from injury
Yamal has been battling back from a groin injury, and could be given some minutes when Barcelona play Real Oviedo on Thursday. Hansi Flick's side are currently five points behind leaders Real Madrid in the La Liga table, but do have a game in hand on their arch-rivals.