Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal’s extraordinary rise continues to earn admiration from across European football.
Despite missing out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or, the Barça youngster is already considered one of the leading candidates to dominate individual awards in the coming years.
Speaking on Cadena SER’s El Larguero, Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro offered glowing praise for his Spain team-mate.
Pedro Porro praises Lamine Yamal’s ambition
Porro highlighted the mentality that makes the Barcelona winger such an exceptional talent.
“Lamine is an ambitious player who always wants more,” Porro explained (h/t Diario SPORT).
“I know what he is capable of. People who understand football know that sooner or later, he deserves a Ballon d’Or.”
Porro has shared the right flank with Yamal for Spain in recent months and knows what it feels like to play alongside him.
Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro of Spain
Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro share the right flank for Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Having witnessed his qualities and competitive mentality at close quarters, it comes as no surprise to see him make such an admission.
The partnership was part of Spain’s successful 2026 World Cup campaign, where Porro scored two goals for La Roja.
Lamine finished third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
Barcelona have a future Ballon d’Or winner on their hands
Porro’s words reflect the wider belief that Yamal’s individual recognition is only a matter of time.
Yamal is already among the very best in the world and entertains one and all with his dribbling ability, creativity and mentality to influence major matches.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona
Lamine is on the perfect track to win Ballon d’Ors in the future. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
What will determine his long-term success is whether he continues to develop other qualities, such as more clinical finishing.
If Porro’s words are to be believed, the Spanish teenager has the mentality to do just that in the coming years.
The 19-year-old remains central to Hansi Flick’s attacking plans, and his development will be crucial to the club’s ambitions.
Winning the Ballon d’Or is something that is bound to happen at some stage in Lamine’s career if he continues progressing in the same vein.
It remains to be seen how Lamine fares this season and whether he can help bring the elusive Champions League back to the Camp Nou.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player