Barcelona captain predicts Lamine Yamal will win at least three Ballon d’Or awards | OneFootball

Barcelona winger and captain Raphinha has heaped praise on his teammate Lamine Yamal, predicting a future filled with accolades for the 17-year-old sensation.

Speaking during an interview with Adri Contreras (h/t SPORT), Raphinha shared his admiration for the young talent from La Masia and revealed his confidence in Yamal’s exceptional potential.

Raphinha, who is currently in fine form, described Lamine as an extraordinary player with unparalleled skills. He expressed that if he could “nationalise” any Barcelona teammate to play for the Brazilian national team, he would undoubtedly choose Yamal.

“Lamine is going to win quite a few Ballons d’Or… let us say three,” Raphinha predicted, highlighting the young forward’s unique talent and trajectory.

Raphinha excluded himself from the race for such prestigious awards, saying he prefers the collective titles, saying:

“My goal is to be a better version of myself every day. If it happens, fine, but what matters to me are the collective titles.”

Raphinha expects great things from Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

At the same time, the 28-year-old winger urged caution in drawing comparisons between Yamal and Lionel Messi.

The legendary former Barcelona captain has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, and Raphinha believes Yamal’s career should be appreciated without undue pressure from comparisons.

When asked for his prediction for this season’s Champions League final, Raphinha confidently backed Barcelona to make it to the Allianz Arena in Munich on 31 May, envisioning a clash between Barça and Manchester City.

Raphinha’s confidence reflects the resurgence of Barcelona under manager Hansi Flick, who has transformed the team into a serious contender for major honours.

Having won the Spanish Super Cup last weekend, Barcelona are gearing up for a crucial Copa del Rey clash against Real Betis in the Round of 16. They are also third in the La Liga table.

In the Champions League, they currently sit second in their group with 15 points, trailing only Liverpool (18 points).

With two matches remaining in the group stage, against Benfica and Atalanta, Barça remain firmly in contention for European glory.