'Not a human being' - Lamine Yamal's father expecting Barcelona wonderkid to win multiple Ballons d'Or as he suggests position change to unlock 'Zinedine Zidane-like' potential

The world has only seen 20% of Yamal's ability, according to his father. Nasraoui has just witnessed his son win the Kopa Trophy and finish eighth in the voting for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, a remarkable feat for a 17-year-old, and doesn't believe it will be long before he claims the Golden Ball.

In an interview with France Football, Nasraoui also said he doesn't believe Yamal is a winger and that he will be more effective as a number 10; playing behind the striker will unlock the wonderkid's Zidane-like ability, in his opinion.

"I quickly understood that he was a star, that he was not a human being like the others," Nasraoui said in an interview with France Football. "From a very young age, there was a ball in his stroller.

"I always had faith in him, I kept telling my friends that he was going to become the best player in the world, that he was a pure diamond. He must remain the same, on and off the field, and have fun. Today, he is a man. I told him that the other day and I could not hold back my tears.

"I was not surprised that he was nominated for the Ballon d'Or, you have only seen 20% of what he is capable of doing. For me, he is a number 10, not a winger. He has the skill and the mentality to play in the center, behind the striker, like a Zinedine Zidane. You will see. I rub my hands thinking about the Ballon d'Ors he's going to win."

Yamal was forced to miss Barcelona's La Liga clash against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening owing to a severe contusion sustained in the Champions League win over Crvena zvezda in midweek.

The teenager will hope to return to action as swiftly as possible to help Barcelona in their pursuit of a major trophy. Whether he's able to represent Spain in their November internationals remains to be seen; if not he'll be aiming to return for the Blaugrana when they face Celta Vigo on November 23.