RANKED: Grealish's transfer options after City CWC snub

Seven reasons why Chelsea fans need to watch the CWC

Estevao: Chelsea's £56m teen set to rock the Club World Cup

Meet Ajax's record-breaking teen who rejected Barcelona

Auckland City: Part-timers looking to shock Bayern & Kane

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>Matthaus says Yamal would get his Ballon d'Or vote</li><li>Teen star has been incredible for Spain &amp; Barca</li><li>Hailed as even better than Raphinha &amp; Dembele</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>

'He enchants us all' - Lamine Yamal proving that 'experience isn't everything' as Lothar Matthaus gives Ballon d'Or to Spain star ahead of Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha

<p>Former Ballon d'Or awardee and the German international Matthaus has publicly thrown his support behind Spain’s teenage sensation Yamal for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ousmane Dembele and and Barcelona team-mate Raphinha. Despite <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/portugal-player-ratings-spain-cristiano-ronaldo-delivers-again-nuno-mendes-lamine-yamal-diogo-costa-heroics-nations-league-final-victory/blt98783aec76680f62" target="_blank">Spain’s Nations League final defeat to Portugal</a>, Yamal’s impact for both club and country this season has made him a standout contender. "If I had a vote for the Ballon d'Or, I'd give it to him," Matthaus wrote in his column on <a href="https://sport.sky.de/fussball/artikel/lothar-matthaeus-ueber-deutschland-gegen-frankreich-und-den-ballon-d-or/13380885/34226" target="_blank"><em>Sky Sport</em></a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>At just 17, Spanish starlet Yamal has become a central figure for both Barcelona and the national team, playing a key role in helping Barca clinch a historic treble under Hansi Flick. While Dembele and Raphinha also enjoyed outstanding seasons and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/ballon-dor-2025-power-rankings/bltd009fae5576d751f" target="_blank">remain strong contenders for the prestigious award</a>, Matthaus believes Yamal’s flair, maturity, and game-changing ability set him apart. The Nations League final loss hasn’t diminished his chances, especially with the Ballon d’Or gala set for September.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In his latest column, German legend Matthaus took a broader view of international football, turning his attention to standout players, and singled out a rising Spanish star for special praise. The former Ballon d'Or winner made it clear who would get his vote for this year’s award: "Lamine Yamal is currently demonstrating for Spain that experience isn't everything. If I had a vote for the Ballon d'Or, I'd give it to him. Ousmane Dembele, who won the Champions League, league and cup treble with Paris Saint-Germain and scored a lot of goals, would also deserve it. So would Barcelona's Raphinha, who, like Yamal, has had a fantastic season and, like Yamal, won three titles in Spain and delivered strong performances in the premier class."</p><p>He continued: "I think these three players are the favorites, but for me Yamal stands out with the way he enchants us all."</p>

WHAT MATTHAUS SAID

<p>Yamal assisted in the Nations League final and was central to Spain’s attacking play despite their shootout defeat to Portugal. With 19 goals and 26 assists in 2024–25, he had a hand in 45 goals, more than any other teenager in elite football. He won La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana, and is in contention<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ballon-dor-2025-power-rankings/bltd009fae5576d751f" target="_blank"> to become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history</a>, as no player has ever won the Ballon d'Or before turning 21.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The Ballon d'Or nominations drop on August 13, with the<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/revealed-when-2025-ballon-d-or-winner-will-be-ousmane-dembele-barcelona-lamine-yamal-raphinha-prestigious-award/blt58ef5a97cbaa2f5c" target="_blank"> ceremony set for September 22 in Paris</a>. Yamal will now prepare for the new La Liga season as the Camp Nou club aim to defend their domestic titles under coach Flick.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'He enchants us all' - Lamine Yamal proving that 'experience isn't everything' as Lothar Matthaus gives Ballon d'Or to Spain star ahead of Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha | Goal.com

Lamine Yamal’s dazzling season continues to turn heads, especially Lothar Matthaus’, who knows a Ballon d’Or talent when he sees one.

&apos;He enchants us all&apos; - Lamine Yamal proving that &apos;experience isn&apos;t everything&apos; as Lothar Matthaus gives Ballon d&apos;Or to Spain star ahead of Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha