Portugal national team coach Roberto Martinez has identified two players he believes should win the 2025 Ballon d'Or ahead of Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Speaking on COPE's El Partidazo program, Martinez praised Yamal's talents but ranked Paris Saint-Germain stars Vitinha and Nuno Mendes as superior candidates for football's most prestigious individual award.
"Lamine is the best at his position and has been very consistent," Martinez acknowledged. "There is no talent who plays in his position and plays like that. We have to help him."
However, when specifically asked about his favorites for the Ballon d'Or, the Portugal coach was emphatic: "Vitinha and Nuno Mendes are far above the rest; at club level and because of their profile."
Martinez's High Praise for Nuno Mendes
Martinez reserved particularly glowing praise for left-back Nuno Mendes, stating: "Nuno Mendes, for me, is the best left-back I've ever seen. He can play on the outside and the inside. He's very quick and has a good pass."
The Portugal coach went even further, adding: "I thought the perfect player didn't exist, and Nuno is very close to that."
Both Vitinha and Mendes were instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain's historic season, helping the French club complete a clean sweep of all available trophies, including their maiden UEFA Champions League title.
Yamal's Impressive Credentials
Despite Martinez's preference for the PSG duo, Yamal has established himself as one of the frontrunners for the prestigious award following an exceptional season with Barcelona and Spain.
The young Barcelona star contributed 21 goals and 25 assists in 62 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Barcelona's domestic treble. He was also a key figure in Spain's run to the UEFA Nations League final.
The 2025 Ballon d'Or race continues to heat up with several strong contenders emerging from successful club campaigns across Europe.
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