Former Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu has declared teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal the best football creator in the game today — and insists the 18-year-old fully deserves to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Praise from a Former Barca Star
Speaking to Spanish media, Deulofeu, now 31, revealed he has “no doubt” about Yamal’s superiority when it comes to creating chances and influencing matches.
“It’s not about who I want to win,” Deulofeu said, “but honestly, watching Barcelona and European football this season, there’s no doubt the best football creator is Lamine Yamal. He may be young, he may not have the most titles, but if you watch the games, he’s been the best this year.”
Deulofeu, who came through La Masia like Yamal, also spoke of his admiration for the teenager’s potential:
“He’s a player with a lot of room for improvement. I hope he can also start playing in deeper positions. But he’s a creative player, and players who create football motivate me. I’m delighted to see him at Barcelona, and I know he can help both the Spanish national team and the club.”
A Breakthrough Year
Yamal’s rise has been meteoric. In the past season, he helped Barcelona secure a historic treble — La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España — playing a decisive role in key matches.
His vision, technique, and composure beyond his years have made him a standout not only in Spain but across Europe. Club president Joan Laporta has already labelled him “a genius” and thrown his full support behind his Ballon d’Or bid.
Fierce Competition for the Golden Ball
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony — co-organised by UEFA and France Football — will take place on 22 September in Paris. While Yamal is among the frontrunners, he faces strong competition.
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele, fresh from winning both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, is seen as a major rival. Other contenders include Raphinha and Mohamed Salah, each boasting impressive seasons.
What’s Next for Yamal?
The coming months will be crucial for the young Spaniard as he looks to strengthen his Ballon d’Or case. Both Barcelona and the Spanish national team will offer him the stage to further showcase his creative brilliance.
Whether his artistry and vision can outweigh the title-winning resumes of his rivals will be decided in Paris — but for Deulofeu, the verdict is already clear: Lamine Yamal is the creative force in football today.