Summary
A Barcelona player has picked who he would rather win the Ballon d'Or between Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
The two wingers are believed to be among the frontrunners for the award.
Both could create history by claiming the golden ball.
As the days tick down to the start of the 2025/2026 season, it also means that as one calendar begins to start fresh, another is about to close with the Ballon d'Or ceremony just over two months away. With defending champion Rodri out for the majority of last campaign, it is certain that fans will see a new player handed the golden ball when the award is distributed on 28th October.
Among the frontrunners are some of Barcelona's stars, namely Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The duo were crucial to Hansi Flick's side’s domestic success, where they claimed a league and cup double, while they also made it to the Champions League semi-finals. In fact, the former even managed to tie the all-time record for goal contributions in a single season in the competition en route to their final four elimination.
You would expect many of their teammates to favour one or the other against players from outside clubs due to the loyalty they are bound to have. Yet, they may have to choose between the two in what would be a far more daunting prospect. But one Barca star has already laid his cards on the table and named who, out of Raphinha and Yamal, he would be picking for the golden ball.
Gavi Names Ballon d'Or Pick
The Spanish international picked between his two teammates
Speaking to Diario AS, as per Sportskeeda, Los Cules midfielder Gavi was given the unenviable task of picking between one of his teammates as to who he wanted to walk away with the Ballon d'Or. The Spanish international arguably had as good a view on their performances last term as anyone, but didn't shy away or sit on the fence with his response to the question as he chose his compatriot as his final favourite:
"I hope he wins. If he doesn't this year, he's 18 and very young. Being among the favorites is something unique. I'm happy with what he's doing with us. He's an incredible player. He's getting better every day. He's amazing in training. He has to keep going like this, with that mentality, and I'm sure that if he doesn't win the Ballon d'Or this year, he'll win many in the future."
Should Yamal win, it would be historic for a number of different reasons. Firstly, he would become just the third Spanish recipient of the Ballon d'Or, after Luis Suarez and last year's winner Rodri. He would also become the first Barcelona player to win it since Lionel Messi, following in the footsteps of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Johan Cruyff.
Even more impressively, winning the award this year would make Yamal the youngest player to collect the famous trophy in history, as he would become the first teenager ever to do so.
Yamal on Winning the Ballon d'Or
The wonderkid claims he is not focussed on the possibility of making history
For many, the opportunity to create such history and lift the greatest individual prize in the game could be enough to consume their thoughts. However, speaking in an interview with Cope, Yamal insisted this was not the case for him and that he hadn't given it any thought.
"I don't think about winning the Ballon d'Or," the 18-year-old revealed. "I think about enjoying myself, playing well, and if it has to happen, it will.
"They say that on Thursday you play for the Ballon d'Or with Dembele (Spain v France). If you had to give the Ballon d'Or, who would you give it to: To the winner on Thursday or to the best player of the year?
"I would vote for the best player of the year, but if you want to play it on Thursday, we play it on Thursday. I would give it to the best player of the year, and I'll keep it for myself."
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 06/08/2025.