Three-time Ballon d’Or winner hails Barcelona forward as ‘the best player in the world’ | OneFootball

As we approach 2026, it is fair to say that 2025 has been the year of Lamine Yamal.

The youngster has gone from being just another prodigal talent to one of the finest footballers in the world, notably finishing second in the Ballon d’Or race at the age of just 18.

Yamal also established himself as the best in the business when it comes to dribbling past players and sold more jerseys than any other player in world football, even ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Van Basten on Lamine Yamal

Considering his success so far, many footballers and personalities have hailed Yamal as the best footballer in the world. But this time around, the praise has come from the very best.

Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo, Marco van Basten, who is widely considered one of the best strikers to ever grace football, has heaped praise on Yamal.

Van Basten believes Yamal is the best in the world right now. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Dutchman went as far as calling him the best in the world, following his unprecedented success at Barcelona.

“Lamine Yamal, without a doubt, is the best player in the world right now,” said van Basten, when asked to name the best player of 2025.

However, the Dutchman did sound a warning, stating that Yamal will only be the best as long as he continues his progress, implying that the forward must steer clear of injuries.

“All I hope for is that we get to enjoy watching him for as long as possible,” the three-time Ballon d’Or winner said.

Injuries could indeed be a problem for Yamal so early on in his career, with the forward already missing multiple matches this season due to a pubalgia issue.

Barcelona will hope the youngster can remain fit during the remainder of the season, as the team eyes an even more dominant 2026.