Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has made history by becoming the first player to finish in the Ballon d’Or top ten in three consecutive editions before turning 20.
The Spanish international finished eighth in 2024, runner-up in 2025,, and third in the 2026 rankings.
Yamal first announced himself on the global stage in 2024, finishing eighth at just 17.
He played 50 official matches for Barcelona that season, scoring seven goals, before helping Spain win the European Championship with victory over England in the final.
His performances also earned him the Kopa Trophy for the best young player in world football.
The teenager climbed to second place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings after an impressive campaign under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
He scored 18 goals and recorded 21 assists in 55 appearances, helping the Catalan club win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He also retained the Kopa Trophy for a second consecutive year.
Yamal finished third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind England striker Harry Kane and France captain Kylian Mbappé.
During the 2025-2026 season, he scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists across all competitions, playing a key role in Barcelona’s La Liga and Spanish Super Cup triumphs. He also received another young talent award at the 2026 ceremony.
His consistent performances and growing collection of individual honors have strengthened his reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also expressed confidence that Yamal will eventually win the Ballon d’Or, as the forward continues to establish himself among the world’s elite.
At just 19, Yamal has already achieved milestones that many established players never reach.
His three consecutive top-ten finishes underline his remarkable rise. At the same time, his performances for Barcelona and Spain suggest he could remain a leading contender for football’s most prestigious individual award in the years ahead.
Image credits: David Ramos/ Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
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