Football legend Marco van Basten, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner, has declared Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal the "best player in the world." The Dutch icon made the statement in December 2025, following what has been described as a remarkable year for the 17-year-old Spanish sensation. Yamal notably secured second place in the 2025 Ballon d'Or race at just 18 years old, underscoring his rapid ascent in global football.^[1][2] A Legend's High Praise Van Basten, speaking on Ziggo Sport's Rondo, expressed his unequivocal admiration for Yamal's current abilities. "Lamine Yamal, without a doubt, is the best player in the world right now," Van Basten stated when asked to name the top player of 2025.^[1][2] The former AC Milan and Ajax striker, known for his elegant playing style and prolific goalscoring, emphasized his hope that fans would "get to enjoy watching him for as long as possible."^[1] Van Basten's praise comes with a cautionary note about the importance of continued progress and avoiding injuries, a sentiment deeply rooted in his own career which was cut short at 28 due to ankle issues, despite his three Ballon d'Or triumphs in 1988, 1989, and 1992.^[3][4][5] Yamal's Meteoric Rise Lamine Yamal's journey to global recognition has been exceptionally swift. He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in April 2023 at the age of 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days, making him the fifth youngest player in La Liga history.^[6] He also became the youngest player to appear for Barcelona's senior team since Armando Sagi in 1922, a record spanning over a century.^[6] His performances have consistently impressed under various coaches, including Xavi Hernandez, Luis De La Fuente, and current manager Hansi Flick.^[7] The 2025 season has been particularly impactful for Yamal. He finished second in the prestigious Ballon d'Or awards, an extraordinary achievement for a player of his age.^[1][2] During Euro 2024, Yamal was named the Young Player of the Tournament, where he also set a new record by providing four assists, including a crucial cross for Nico Williams in the final against England.^[6] In the current 2025-26 La Liga season, he has already contributed significantly to Barcelona's attack, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in 14 matches.^[2] Yamal is widely regarded as Barcelona's best dribbler and a player capable of creating goals from seemingly impossible situations.^[8] His overall FotMob rating of 8.43 reflects his consistent high-level performances.^[9] Wider Recognition for the Young Star Van Basten is not alone in recognizing Yamal's immense talent. Other football luminaries have also lauded the Barcelona prodigy. Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and former Real Madrid rival, has praised Yamal as "one of the best in this generation."^{[7][6][10][11]} Speaking to the media, Ronaldo said, "I see a lot of talent in Lamine Yamal. I hope he does not have any problems in the future and I think he will be one of the best in this generation, for sure."^[7] He further elaborated on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel, stating, "I believe Lamine Yamal will be one of the best players of this new generation."^[10] Even Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time and Barcelona's most decorated player with eight Ballon d'Or titles, believes Yamal is already "one of the best players in the world."^[12][13] Messi has expressed admiration for Yamal's progress, noting that the young forward will "continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did."^[12] Messi also highlighted his pride in seeing young talents from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, like Yamal, excel in the first team.^[14][15] Barcelona's current manager, Hansi Flick, has also acknowledged Yamal's crucial role, calling him "incredible" and a "difference maker."^[6] Flick emphasized Yamal's combination of talent and defensive pressure, which he considers "massive" for the team.^[6] The Path Ahead for Yamal Despite the widespread acclaim, Van Basten's warning about injuries remains pertinent. Yamal has already faced physical setbacks in his young career, including a pubalgia issue and a right-ankle injury that sidelined him from several matches during the current season and an international break with Spain.^[1][15] Barcelona's management is reportedly taking a cautious approach, aiming to ensure his full recovery before rushing him back to play.^[15] Yamal himself harbors ambitious goals, stating that he dreams of winning "many" Ballon d'Ors, not just one.^[2] His exceptional talent embodies Barcelona's long-standing tradition of developing world-class players through its La Masia academy, a system that has produced stars like Messi, Pedri, and Gavi.^[14][15][16] With such high praise from football legends and a clear path for development, Lamine Yamal continues to be a central figure in Barcelona's future aspirations.

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