Watch: Rashford backs Yamal for Ballon d’Or glory

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Marcus Rashford has tipped Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as a leading contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Manchester United forward praised Yamal’s extraordinary contributions to Barcelona’s historic treble-winning campaign, where the 17-year-old amassed 18 goals and 21 assists across all competitions.

Yamal’s remarkable season saw him dominate multiple LaLiga statistics, including most assists (13), dribbles completed (161), and chances created, establishing himself as the most productive player born in the 21st century across Europe’s top leagues.

Rashford believes Yamal’s sheer talent makes him a deserving winner. “Just off football ability, I think he has to win,” Rashford said in an interview with xBuyer. “But Dembélé’s Champions League performances could also make him a strong candidate. Either way, it’s incredible what Yamal is doing at just 16 or 17—we’ve never seen anything like it before.”

Rashford also addressed his own future, having revitalized his career during a loan spell at Aston Villa last season. The 27-year-old contributed four goals and six assists in 17 appearances under Unai Emery and is now expected to depart Manchester United permanently.

Barcelona have been linked with a move for the England international, and Rashford admitted he would relish the opportunity to play alongside Yamal. “Everybody wants to play with the best, so of course I’d love to,” he said. “He’s already exceptional, and in three years, who knows how much better he’ll be?”

WATCH full interview

Photo: Alex Caparros/Getty Images

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