Ballon d’Or: Rivaldo picks player to win award next year

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has predicted that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or next year.
He also backed the Spain international to score goals and provide assists like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in order to increase his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
This comes after Yamal finished in second place behind Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The 18-year-old scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists in 55 games across competitions for the Blaugrana last season.
“I think Lamine has everything it takes to win the Ballon d’Or next year, and I think he will stand out even more this season than last,” Rivaldo said, as quoted by Barca Universal.
“But, given the way he plays, I think he will win the Ballon d’Or when he scores lots of goals and provides lots of assists.
“Not just for how he plays. Just like Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi,” the Brazilian added.