Arsenal are getting their early transfer priorities wrong

Ultimate bottle-job! Henderson & Ajax's epic title collapse

Héctor Bellerín: How could I dance at a funeral?

Milan are a mess - and superstars will be sold this summer

Rebels United: The legend of Eric Cantona

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream live MLS games

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Yamal helped Barcelona secure vital Inter draw</li><li>Spanish teenager has taken world by storm</li><li>Ferdinand makes Ballon d'Or prediction</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or? Rio Ferdinand raves over Barcelona teenager after starring role in thrilling Champions League draw with Inter Milan

LaLiga

Espanyol

Barcelona

Serie A

Inter

Lazio

<p>Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Barcelona's 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal after his stunning performance in the Champions League semi-final first leg <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/barcelona-player-ratings-inter-champions-league-lamine-yamal/blt1da55115e450d902" target="_blank">against Inter Milan on Wednesday night</a>. The teenager scored Barca's first goal of the evening and was a persistent thorn in the side of both Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni, and Ferdinand has suggested Yamal should be right in contention for the Ballon d'Or prize if the La Liga leaders win the competition.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Yamal burst onto the scene last season, quickly becoming a key player for Barcelona and Spain and breaking numerous records. His dribbling ability, vision and impact on games have drawn comparisons to a young Lionel Messi. The Ballon d'Or conversation is intensifying, with the likes of Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Mohamed Salah among those harbouring hopes of winning the gold.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWFEuOBshlE" target="_blank">Rio Reacts</a>, Ferdinand said: "I was sitting there watching him and every time he got the ball and every time he engaged the defender, he always had two against him normally. I was just more impressed with the amount of times that he changed the angle.</p><p>"If Barcelona win the Champions League…what if [Yamal]'s the difference in Milan in the second leg? What if he's the difference in the final? Can we make a legitimate case now that he wins the Ballon d'Or?</p><p>"I think at the moment I don't know if there's anyone more exciting to go into a stadium and watch right now.</p><p>"The biggest compliment you can pay him as well is that when you watch Barcelona play, whether it's [Frenkie] de Jong or Pedri in possession in central midfield, their first look is to the right to see whether they can get the ball to him."</p>

WHAT FERDINAND SAID

<p>Yamal will be crucial to Barcelona's chances in the second leg of their semi-final against Inter Milan and fans will be hoping he continues his mesmerising form. A strong performance in the return fixture, coupled with a significant contribution in a potential final, would undoubtedly boost his Ballon d'Or credentials significantly.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL AND BARCELONA?

Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or? Rio Ferdinand raves over Barcelona teenager after starring role in thrilling Champions League draw with Inter Milan | Goal.com

Rio Ferdinand claims Lamine Yamal could win the Ballon d&apos;Or if Barcelona are victorious in the Champions League.

Lamine Yamal for Ballon d&apos;Or? Rio Ferdinand raves over Barcelona teenager after starring role in thrilling Champions League draw with Inter Milan

Next matches