Xavi Backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or After Spain’s World Cup Win
Xavi Hernandez has backed Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, arguing that Spain’s World Cup-winning players should be at the front of the race.
Key takeaways
- Xavi believes 19-year-old Yamal is destined to become a dominant figure in world football.
- The Netherlands coach made the case for Yamal ahead of his first match in charge against Germany.
- He accepted Lionel Messi had an impressive World Cup but wants Spain’s champions rewarded first.
- Xavi also credited Hansi Flick with maintaining Barcelona’s positive direction.
- The Dutch squad face a demanding group programme, with Serbia and Greece among their next opponents.
Xavi wants Yamal recognised now
Speaking at the KNVB’s Zeist base before his managerial debut, Xavi described Yamal as a rare talent and said this is the right moment for the Barcelona teenager to collect football’s biggest individual honour.
The former Barcelona midfielder reflected on his own role in helping the club through a difficult spell. He said the previous regime had been satisfied to play a part in the recovery, adding that Yamal is “special” and “different” and will win the prize sooner or later.
“He is 19, and there is no doubt he will win it,” Xavi said. “But this would be a good season for it to happen.”
Xavi praised Flick for carrying forward Barcelona’s momentum, while stressing that the achievements of Spain’s World Cup winners should carry major weight in the voting. Messi’s tournament form was acknowledged, but Xavi’s preference is clear: the Spanish champions deserve the leading recognition.
Netherlands role begins with Germany test
Xavi has quickly settled into life at the Netherlands training headquarters, where players and staff have been travelling to sessions by bicycle.
He sees a natural fit between his footballing ideas and the Dutch game. Xavi pointed to the shared emphasis on attacking football and positional structure, concepts closely associated with Barcelona’s traditional identity.
“There are many football connections between this country and Barcelona,” he said. “Supporters want attacking football and positional play. I feel that link.”
Germany provide Xavi’s first test as Netherlands manager. Serbia and Greece are also waiting in a packed group schedule, giving the new coach little time to build on his early work in Zeist.
