According to a report by Barca Universal on Saturday October 24, 2026, Barcelona winger Raphinha has delivered a huge endorsement of teammate Lamine Yamal, describing the teenage sensation as the best footballer in the world ahead of the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Speaking in an interview with CazeTV, the Brazilian praised Yamal’s exceptional talent and insisted that the youngster’s performances have placed him above other players in world football.

“Lamine is proving that he is the best player in the world right now, and I don’t think there is any room for debate about that,” Raphinha said.

The Barcelona forward went even further, suggesting that Yamal could be comfortably ahead of whoever is considered the second-best player in the world.

Yamal has continued to establish himself as one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players under manager Hansi Flick, with his creativity, confidence and ability to change matches attracting widespread attention.

Raphinha’s comments underline the respect the teenager commands within the Barcelona dressing room as he prepares for a potentially significant moment in his young career.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will provide another opportunity for Yamal’s achievements to receive recognition, although the final outcome will depend on the award’s voting process.

Meanwhile, Raphinha also spoke candidly about his struggles to reproduce his club form for the Brazilian national team.

The winger admitted that his performances for Brazil have fallen below the standards he has established at Barcelona, revealing that injuries have disrupted his involvement during recent international call-ups.