Barcelona’s newest addition, Karim Adeyemi, has said that there is no reason Lamine Yamal should not be awarded the Ballon d’Or this season.
He made this statement while discussing the potential for Yamal to reach the level of Lionel Messi, amidst ongoing comparisons between the two La Masia alumni.
On Thursday, Barcelona officially announced Adeyemi’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund, securing him on a five-year contract valued at €29 million plus additional bonuses.
Speaking to the press during his unveiling, the Nigerian-born forward commented on the 19-year-old Yamal, who is often regarded as Messi’s successor due to their comparable playing styles. Both players predominantly function on the right wing and are celebrated for their dribbling skills and creativity.
After finishing as the runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, Yamal has positioned himself as a strong candidate for the prestigious award in 2026, following his contribution to Spain’s victory in the 2026 tournament.
Speaking about the young Spain international during his unveiling, Adeyemi said, “Lamine wouldn’t mind if I said it’s difficult to reach Messi’s level. Lamine plays with a lot of freedom.
“He just needs to keep going his own way – and why shouldn’t he win it [Ballon d’Or]?”
When asked about the prospect of playing alongside Yamal, Adeyemi responded, “Personally, I don’t know him yet off the field, but on the field, he communicates through his performance. He’s an exceptional player.
“I believe he possesses all the qualities necessary to enjoy football. I sense that the chemistry between us could be truly remarkable, as he is not only a goal scorer or an outstanding dribbler, but he can also create chances for any teammate.”
Ballon d’Or: Barcelona’s new signing, Adeyemi names favourite to win award