"Winning a d'Or before Mbappe", "The next Messi" - Fans react as Lamine Yamal ranked 8th in Ballon d'Or rankings

Fans have hailed Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal after he finished eighth in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings. This was announced by France Football during the 68th Ballon d'Or award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris (October 28, 2024).

Yamal had a sensational 2023-24 campaign for La Blaugrana, garnering seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances across competitions. The 17-year-old then helped Spain win Euro 2024 over the summer, displaying exceptional talent for his age on the grandest stage.

The Spain international has taken his game to another level under Hansi Flick this season. He has scored six goals and provided seven assists in just 14 appearances across competitions for Barcelona, establishing himself as arguably the greatest young talent in world football.

Yamal was rewarded for this during the Ballon d'Or ceremony, winning the 2024 Kopa Trophy. He also finished eighth amongst the top 30 nominees, above the likes of Toni Kroos and Harry Kane.

One fan reacted by claiming he would be the next Lionel Messi:

"Yamal is the next Messi."

Another fan predicted Yamal would win the award before Kylian Mbappe:

"He is winning a d'Or before Mbappe"

Check out how other fans reacted below:

"Lamine yamal! My starboy," one fan commented

"Lamine Yamal is an incredible talent! Excited to see how he develops and what he brings to the pitch. A bright future ahead!" another added

"Lamine Yamal is the greatest 17yr old football has ever seen," one fan posted

"Yamal is generational and could potentially win it next year," another predicted

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“Rodri will win the Ballon d'Or” - Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos makes bold prediction and claims the award has 'no place' in football

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has predicted Manchester City's Rodri to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or ahead of Vinicius Jr. The former Germany international also blasted the prestigious award, claiming individual prizes have no place in football.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Kroos stated:

“Rodri will win the Ballon d’Or. I’ve never seen the importance of these individual awards in football, they have no place”.

Vinicius was considered the heavy favorite to win his maiden Ballon d'Or this year after guiding Real Madrid to three trophies last season, including the LaLiga title and UCL. However, the Brazilian winger is reportedly set to miss out on the award to Rodri and has not attended the ceremony in Paris.

It remains to be seen if Rodri does win tonight. The Manchester City midfielder had a brilliant 2023-24 season, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists in 50 appearances across competitions. He won the Premier League title and Euro 2024 with Spain over the summer.