Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old FC Barcelona prodigy, has taken the football world by storm with his dazzling performances in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season, particularly in the thrilling 3-3 semifinal first-leg draw against Inter Milan on April 30, 2025. His breathtaking goal and overall impact in this high-stakes match have sparked widespread debate: Is Lamine Yamal a legitimate Ballon d’Or contender? Here’s everything you need to know.
Lamine Yamal’s UCL Masterclass Against Inter Milan
In the UCL semifinal first leg at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona faced a daunting 2-0 deficit within 21 minutes after goals from Inter’s Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries. Enter Lamine Yamal. The teenager ignited Barcelona’s comeback with a stunning 24th-minute goal, weaving past defenders and curling a precise left-footed shot into the top-right corner past Yann Sommer. This strike, described as “inch-perfect” by the UEFA Champions League official account, marked Yamal’s 100th appearance for Barcelona—a remarkable milestone for a player still in his teens.
Yamal’s influence didn’t stop there. He nearly gave Barcelona the lead with a curling effort that struck the crossbar and played a pivotal role in the build-up to an equalizing own goal by Sommer, triggered by a clever dummy on a Dani Olmo corner. His performance earned praise from Inter’s manager Simone Inzaghi, who called him “a phenomenon born every 50 years,” and even caught the attention of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who posted, “This guy is incredible.”
Is Lamine Yamal a Ballon d’Or contender?
At just 17, Yamal has emerged as a Ballon d’Or contender, due to his extraordinary performances in the 2024/25 season. With 123 completed take-ons, 25 goal-creating actions, and 14 goals plus 24 assists, his numbers rival top stars. His historic UCL feats, including being the youngest player to score and assist in a single match, and his record-breaking El Clásico goal, highlight his exceptional talent.
Yamal also shone at Euro 2024, where he won Young Player of the Tournament, and his influence in major matches adds to his Ballon d’Or case. A potential Champions League win with Barcelona would only strengthen his chances, possibly making him the youngest winner in history.
