Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri has tipped his national teammate Lamine Yamal to claim the Ballon d’Or in the coming years. Speaking during an interview with DAZN, the 29-year-old didn’t hold back in his praise, labeling the Barcelona winger an ‘animal’ on the pitch.
Rodri, who famously beat Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, expressed confidence in Yamal’s future. He stated, ‘One day he will win a Ballon d’Or because he is an animal. He is the present and future of Spanish football.’
The City star also highlighted Yamal’s maturity despite his young age. ‘Players of that caliber, who are unique in the world, will always have media repercussions. But he’s very mature and very focused for only 18 years old,’ Rodri added.
Yamal came close to winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, finishing just behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembele. Despite the narrow miss, Rodri’s endorsement underscores the growing belief that the teenager is destined for the top individual honor.