“The magic he gives you, no one can” – Fabrizio Romano picks his 2025 Ballon d’Or winner

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has never shied away from voicing his admiration for rising football prodigies. But this time, he’s gone one step further—boldly predicting the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner. And his pick? None other than FC Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal.

Romano, known for his deep connections within the footballing world, recently shared his thoughts on Yamal during a segment where he analyzed top contenders for the prestigious award. Despite competition from superstars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, Romano believes Yamal has already separated himself from the pack.

“For me, Lamine Yamal is on another level,” Romano declared. “There are many players on a super level like Haaland and Mbappé, but what Lamine does at his age is incredible. Lamine Yamal winning the Ballon d’Or? Yes. I talk with colleagues, journalists, and the magic that Lamine gives you, nobody else can.”

At just 17 years old, Yamal has become a staple for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. His blend of maturity, technical brilliance, and fearless dribbling has drawn comparisons to legendary wingers of past generations. Yet what sets him apart, according to Romano, is the sheer magic in his game—a quality that statistics alone cannot measure.

Romano’s statement comes at a time when Yamal’s stock continues to soar. After an extraordinary domestic season with Barcelona, the winger carried his form into Euro 2024, dazzling audiences with his flair and decisive contributions. Each match has been a new chapter in what many are calling the rise of the next global football icon.

Those close to Yamal, including his teammates and coaches, have echoed Romano’s sentiments. “Now everyone sees what he is,” one Spanish international commented, “but I’ve known him for years and I know what he’s like. I think he has the ability to win it [Ballon d’Or]… He’s at a spectacular level and to have him at that level in our team helps us a lot.”

Spain’s head coach also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of patience and humility in Yamal’s journey. “It’s a process, to deserve the Ballon d’Or… There are other very good players too. These decisions are made in detail,” he said. “I don’t know if he’ll win it this year, but I’m sure he’ll win it. The most important thing is that he doesn’t focus on a specific objective and that he works as he does and remains humble.”

Despite his meteoric rise, Yamal’s inner circle remains grounded. His coaches have repeatedly praised his work ethic, noting that he is more focused on team achievements than individual glory. Still, there’s no denying that individual accolades are now within his reach—especially if he maintains his current form through the end of 2025.

In many ways, Yamal represents a new era for Barcelona. In a post-Messi world, the Catalan club has struggled to find an identity—until Yamal’s emergence. His creativity and decision-making in the final third have not only filled stadium seats but also re-ignited belief among Barça fans that the future is once again bright.

What makes Romano’s prediction particularly intriguing is that it challenges the current narrative dominated by names like Haaland and Mbappé. Both are in the prime of their careers, racking up goals and trophies. But Romano insists that Yamal brings something different—something unquantifiable.

“For the Ballon d’Or, Lamine Yamal should rank higher than Dembélé,” one fan commented online, echoing what many are beginning to believe: that Yamal’s potential is not just world-class—it’s historic.

As the footballing calendar marches on, all eyes will be on the young Spaniard. Every touch, every goal, every assist is being scrutinized by fans and pundits alike, wondering: could this truly be the year a teenager wins the most prestigious individual award in football?

Yamal’s path won’t be easy. He’ll face stiff competition not only from veterans but also from rising stars of his own generation. Yet if there’s one thing the football world has learned over the past year, it’s to never underestimate Lamine Yamal.

His performances continue to redefine what’s possible at such a young age. While most teenagers are battling for minutes, Yamal is battling for greatness—game by game, touch by touch.

In Romano’s eyes, there’s no debate. “The magic he gives you, no one can,” he says with conviction. And perhaps, when the Ballon d’Or ceremony rolls around, we’ll see that prediction fulfilled—crowning not just a player, but a prodigy who’s rewriting the future of football.