Barcelona Legend Hristo Stoichkov Backs Lamine Yamal for 2025 Ballon d'Or Glory
Posted 2 hours 56 minutes ago
Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov has voiced his support for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as the frontrunner to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2025. Speaking to Carrusel Deportivo, the former Ballon d'Or winner praised Yamal's extraordinary season with Barcelona and believes the young star has what it takes to claim football’s highest individual honor.
Yamal, just 17 years old, played a pivotal role in helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble this season. His maturity and consistency on the field have impressed fans and pundits alike, with his standout performances also propelling the Catalan giants to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.
Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/liverpool-florian-wirtz-transfer-bid-134m Despite his glowing endorsement, Stoichkov acknowledged the challenges that come with Yamal’s youth.
“Lamine Yamal is still very young and has a long road ahead. But I truly enjoy his game — he has so many special qualities,” he said.
Stoichkov emphasized the need for patience and consistency as Yamal continues to grow at the top level. While Yamal was his primary pick, Stoichkov also highlighted other standout candidates for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
He pointed to Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Marquinhos, who were instrumental in PSG’s historic Champions League triumph. “If you tell me Marquinhos wins it, I would believe it,” he remarked.
Vitinha, in particular, received high praise for his dual impact in domestic competitions and the Champions League. Stoichkov believes both PSG stars delivered performances worthy of Ballon d'Or consideration, further intensifying the competition for the coveted award.
Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/al-hilal-transfer-targets-theo-hernandez-bruno-fernandes-simone-inzaghi Still, Stoichkov's admiration for Yamal remains clear.
“If he wins it, I’ll hand it to him myself,” he said with a smile. With several months left in the calendar year, the race for the Ballon d'Or remains wide open — but Yamal, with Stoichkov’s endorsement, may already be leading the charge.
