BARCELONA—Eighteen-year-old Lamine Yamal is set to face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League, a match that provides the perfect stage for the prodigious winger to make his claim for next year’s Ballon d’Or, after becoming the youngest-ever runner-up last week.
Chasing a Record after Near-Miss
Last week, Yamal, at just 18, finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind former Barcelona teammate, PSG star Ousmane Dembélé, who clinched the award after inspiring PSG to their first Champions League title last season. Dembélé is currently injured and will miss the clash at the Olympic Stadium, leaving the spotlight entirely on the Spanish teenager.
- Yamal’s runner-up finish means he narrowly missed out on breaking the record for the youngest ever winner, a title currently held by Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário who won it at age 21.
- Should Yamal win the award in
or , he would still claim the record. - The comparison to club legend Lionel Messi, who did not win the award until he was 22, continues to fuel expectations, especially since Yamal inherited Messi’s iconic No. shirt this season.
Instant Impact on Return
Yamal, who missed Barcelona’s previous four wins with a groin issue, made an immediate impact upon his return against Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Sunday. Introduced in the minute, the right winger wasted no time, crossing the ball for Robert Lewandowski to head home the match-winning goal just over a minute later.
This quick return to form is a much-needed boost for Barcelona, who are dealing with a growing injury list, including the recently sidelined duo of Fermin Lopez and Gavi, as well as Joan Garcia and Raphinha.
Chasing the Elusive Champions League Trophy
The Champions League has a special significance for the young star. Last season, Yamal inspired Barcelona’s run to the semi-finals, only for Hansi Flick’s side to fall short, missing out on the final against PSG. Yamal has publicly vowed to bring the trophy back to Barcelona, a club that has not won the competition since.
Despite his young age—he only turned 18 after winning Euro with Spain—Yamal has already made over appearances for Barcelona, scoring goals and winning two LaLiga titles since his debut at age in. His quality will be severely tested by the reigning European champions in Wednesday’s highly anticipated match.
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