Raphinha backs Lamine Yamal for the 2024 Ballon d'Or: "He has to win it, no question"
The FC Barcelona captain has made his position clear ahead of the 2024 Ballon d'Or vote. In an interview with European media, Raphinha argued that Lamine Yamal deserves the award thanks to his attacking numbers, the trophies he has won and his influence at both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Voting closes in a week and the ceremony takes place in London on October 26.
ByJavi
5 min read
The 2024 Ballon d'Or race is entering its final stretch and the FC Barcelona dressing room has already picked its candidate. With the voting deadline just days away, Raphinha has come out in strong support of Lamine Yamal, insisting the young winger has every reason to claim the most prestigious individual prize in world football. The Barcelona captain has been emphatic: he sees no other favorite.
Barcelona's dressing room rallies behind Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d'Or
The 17-year-old's candidacy has gathered serious momentum in recent weeks. Lamine Yamal is among the 30 finalists selected by France Football and has made the leap from promising talent to genuine contender for the award. His teammate Raphinha, who has worn the captain's armband this season, has now given him a public push at the perfect moment.
Speaking to The Guardian and La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazilian answered without hesitation when asked whether the Barcelona academy product is the ideal candidate to win the prize: "Without a doubt, yes." From there, he laid out the reasons why he believes his teammate stands above the rest.
Raphinha: "Lamine has everything to win the Ballon d'Or"
For the Barcelona captain, the Ballon d'Or is not decided by a single factor but by a mix of individual production, collective trophies and the ability to make things happen on the pitch. "I think winning the Ballon d'Or depends on individual numbers, collective titles and the magic he has on the field. The charisma and all that. Those are the most important points and Lamine has it all," he argued.
Raphinha focused on the winger's attacking progression, pointing out that he has not only maintained a very high level but has actually raised it since the start of the current campaign. "Lamine has spectacular numbers, not only last season, but the one before as well. He has started this one spectacularly," he noted. His ability to generate danger whenever he touches the ball has become one of his defining traits.
The Lamine Yamal numbers behind his Ballon d'Or case
Lamine Yamal's attacking development supports his captain's argument. This season he is averaging 1.88 goals per game when combining goals and assists, a figure well above his returns from the previous two campaigns, when he posted averages of 1 and 0.77 respectively. Those numbers have made him one of the most decisive players in European football at the start of the season.
His individual production is matched by success at club and international level. Raphinha recalled that Lamine "has won two of three titles with Barça and the World Cup with his national team," referring to the silverware collected over the past year. That record strengthens a candidacy no longer built solely on potential but on tangible results.
A key player for Barcelona and Spain
Beyond the statistics, Raphinha underlined the central role Lamine Yamal now plays in both teams he represents. "He is one of the most important players at Barça and in the Spanish national team. For me, there is no doubt: he has to take the award, no question," he stressed. His words paint the picture of a footballer who is no longer a supporting piece but a cornerstone in the plans of Hansi Flick and Luis de la Fuente.
The Brazilian also distanced himself from those backing other contenders. "About what others say, everyone looks out for their own, but for me it's very clear," he added. He made a point of saying his support for Lamine is not born out of friendship or sharing a dressing room: "Even if I weren't Lamine's teammate, because of what he does on the field, the numbers he has, the titles he has won... titles are very important," he said.
"For me, he is the candidate, he has to win it"
Ballon d'Or timeline: voting deadline, gala and a Wembley test
The 2024 Ballon d'Or has two key dates on the calendar. The 100 journalists selected by France Football have until September 28 to submit their votes, exactly one week after Raphinha's comments. The award ceremony will be held on October 26 in London, the host city for this year's event.
Before the gala, Lamine Yamal will have another chance to make his case on the pitch. On September 26, Spain faces Harry Kane's England at Wembley, the same iconic stadium where the young forward has already shown flashes of his talent. It is a top-level match that will serve as a final showcase before voting closes.
Frequently asked questions about Lamine Yamal's Ballon d'Or bid
Frequently asked questions
What are Lamine Yamal's realistic chances of winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or?
Lamine Yamal is one of the favorites among the 30 final candidates. His combination of attacking numbers, titles with FC Barcelona and a leading role for the Spanish national team puts him in a very strong position to win the award, especially after public backing from Raphinha and other football figures.
When is the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony?
The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on October 26 in London. Before that, the 100 journalists invited by France Football have until September 28 to cast their votes.
What titles has Lamine Yamal won to strengthen his Ballon d'Or case?
Over the past year, Lamine Yamal has won major titles with both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Raphinha pointed out that he has lifted two of the three trophies contested with Barça and has won the World Cup with Spain, a record that carries significant weight in the voting.