Barcelona legend backs defender to challenge Lamine Yamal to Ballon d'Or and reminds teenage sensation he has 'a long way to go'

Barcelona icon Stoichkov has publicly thrown his weight behind Yamal as the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, declaring he would personally present the award if the youngster wins it. Speaking on Carrusel Deportivo, the 1994 Ballon d’Or winner praised Yamal’s brilliance while also offering a reminder that the teenager still has "a long way to go." Stoichkov also named several other standout players, including PSG’s Marquinhos and Vitinha, as serious contenders for the prize.

The 17-year-old dazzled in a title-winning season with Barca lifting La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana to earn his place among the top contenders for the prize. However, the Bulgarian legend believes the final podium will likely feature names from either Barca or PSG, with Vitinha and Marquinhos leading the latter challenge. If Yamal gets it, he would be the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history, beating Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo, who won it at 21 in 1997.

The Barca legend pledged to present the trophy himself if the teenager wins: “If he wins it, I'll give it to him personally.”

While full of praise, Stoichkov reminded fans that Yamal is still just getting started: “Lamine Yamal is a very young boy who has a long way to go.” Despite his youth, he was unequivocal about Yamal’s talent: “I really enjoy watching him because he has so many interesting qualities.”

Yet the former Ballon d’Or winner also acknowledged there’s strong competition for the honour, singling out PSG stars for their standout seasons: “If you tell me today that PSG's Marquinhos is the one to take him, I'd believe you too. Then we have Vitinha, who has also played fantastically this year. He had a spectacular championship in France and a spectacular Champions League. There are many players ready to win it.”

Yamal will focus on coming back from the summer break to continue his meteoric rise ahead of the Ballon d’Or gala in September. Whether or not he lifts the award, his name is firmly in the mix alongside senior stars, with the likes of team-mate Raphinha and PSG's Ousmane Dembele.