Former Portugal captain, Luis Figo, has endorsed Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as a future Ballon d'Or winner, highlighting the youngster's exceptional talent and potential.

Speaking at the PlayStation House event in Munich on Saturday, Figo told reporters: "If he continues working hard like he's doing and playing like this – in the future, for sure."

Yamal's Breakthrough Season

The 17-year-old Yamal has enjoyed a remarkable season with Barcelona, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in Barcelona's domestic double, securing both the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey trophy under manager Hansi Flick.

Yamal's exceptional performances have thrust him into the Ballon d'Or conversation alongside Barcelona teammate Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele, who are considered leading contenders for football's most prestigious individual award.

Rising Star

The Spanish wonderkid has been making headlines since his breakthrough, becoming one of the youngest players to feature prominently for Barcelona's first team. His technical ability, vision, and maturity beyond his years have drawn comparisons to some of the game's greatest talents.

Figo's endorsement carries significant weight, as the former Real Madrid and Barcelona star was himself a Ballon d'Or winner in 2000, recognizing his status as one of the world's elite players during his illustrious career.

Barcelona recently secured Yamal's future at the club with a new contract, signaling their commitment to building around the talented youngster as they look to maintain their competitive edge both domestically and in European competitions.