Ballon d’Or: Too early for you to win award – Ex-Barça chief, Planes tells Yamal

Former Barcelona sporting director, Ramon Planes, has warned youngster, Lamine Yamal not to allow recent successes get into his head, especially as his name is being mentioned for Ballon d’Or this year.

He said fans must avoid putting too much pressure on the Spain international.

Planes also believes it was not yet time for the 17-year-old to win the prestigious award, saying he has to maintain his current level for a few more years.

The youngster’s impressive form for Barcelona and Spain has put him in front as one of the favourites to win the 2025 edition of the award

He became a member of La Masia senior team on April 29, 2023, under Xavi Hernandez at the age of 15 and has shown all the signs of a great footballer in the making.

He helped his country of birth, Spain, win the Euro 2024, and also won four trophies with Barcelona.

Yamal scored 18 goals and made 25 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions for Barça last season.

Many fans, pundits and football followers believes the 17-year-old should be recognised as the best footballer in the world.

But Planes told Mundo Deportivo, via Barca Universal, “The hardest part is staying at the top level. We must protect him and avoid putting too much pressure on him.

“If he keeps this up for years, he could become a Ballon d’Or winner. But it’s still early days, and we need to be patient.”

The youngster helped his club win the LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana last season.

Ballon d’Or: Too early for you to win award – Ex-Barça chief, Planes tells Yamal