Not Messi or Ronaldo: Lamine Yamal Becomes First Player to Set This Ballon d’Or Record
Lamine Yamal has added another remarkable achievement to his growing list of records. Know more about his historic Ballon d’Or feat, nominations, career stats and other major records.
Young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal has etched another feat in his storied career. The 19 year old Yamal has now received three Ballon d’Or nominations, the most by any player in the history of the game. It is a feat that even some of the game’s biggest names have not achieved.
On September 8, France Football (which organises the Ballon d’Or awards) included Yamal among the 30 players shortlisted for the award. This was his third consecutive appearance on the shortlist since 2023.
Yamal also recently became the youngest Spanish player to score a goal in the FIFA World Cup. His side went on to win the event eventually after an unbeaten run.
Players with Multiple Ballon d'Or Nominations Before Turning 20
Yamal started with an 8th place finish in his first appearance in 2024. Next year, he finished as the runner-up behind Ousmane Dembele.
| Player | Country | Total Nominations Before 20 | Years & Age at Nomination | Final Positions |
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | 3 | 2024 (17), 2025 (18), 2026 (19) | 8th, 2nd, Pending |
| Kylian Mbappé | France | 2 | 2017 (18), 2018 (19) | 7th, 4th |
| Wayne Rooney | England | 2 | 2004 (18), 2005 (19) | 8th, didn’t score |
Even some of the game’s greatest names, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi have only one appearance in front of their names.
Michael Owen: Nominated for the 1998 Ballon d'Or at age 18 (finished 4th)
Cristiano Ronaldo: Nominated for the 2004 Ballon d'Or at age 19 (finished 12th)
Lionel Messi: Nominated for the 2006 Ballon d'Or at age 19 (finished 20th)
Neymar Jr. : Nominated for the 2011 Ballon d'Or at age 19 (finished 10th)
Lamine Yamal Career Stats and Records
Born on July 13, 2007, Lamine Yamal has already made headlines around the world. After helping Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024, the Barcelona forward has not slowed down.
He has since helped his side successfully defend La Liga, while also winning the Supercopa de España and ultimately lifting football’s biggest prize, the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
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FC Barcelona (First Team): 155 appearances | 53 goals | 45 assists
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Spain National Team (Senior): 33 caps | 7 goals
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Major Trophies Won (9 Total)
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International: FIFA World Cup (2026), UEFA European Championship (2024), UEFA Nations League (2025)
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With FC Barcelona: 3 times La Liga (2022–23, 2024–25, 2025–26), 1 time Copa del Rey (2024–25), 2 times Supercopa de Espana (2024–25, 2025–26)
Key World & Historical Records
| Competition | Record Held by Lamine Yamal | Details |
| Ballon d'Or | First player in history nominated 3 times before age 20 | 2024 (8th), 2025 (2nd), 2026 (Nominated) |
| FC Barcelona / Europe | Youngest player to score 50 first-team goals for a club in Europe's top 5 leagues | 19 years, 49 days |
| FC Barcelona | Youngest to reach 100 first-team appearances | 17 years, 291 days |
| International Football | Youngest player to win both the UEFA European Championship & FIFA World Cup | 19 years, 6 days (2026) |
| UEFA Euro | Youngest goalscorer and assist-provider in Euro history | 16 years, 338 days (Assist) / 16 years, 362 days (Goal) |
| La Liga | Youngest starter, goalscorer, and assist-provider in La Liga history | 16 years, 38 days (Starter) / 16 years, 87 days (Goal) |
| El Clásico | Youngest goalscorer in El Clásico vs. Real Madrid | 17 years, 105 days |
| Kopa Trophy | First and only player to win back-to-back Kopa Trophies | 2024 and 2025 Winner |
With so many achievements in his early career, the long road persists of defending his domestic titles with FC Barcelona and maintaining peak consistency.
However, there also must be some individual brilliance awaiting him, including a potential first Ballon d'Or victory on October 26 and a potential Golden Boot award in future.
Varun Verma is an education and sports journalist with over three years of experience in journalism, with a strong focus on cricket . He has previously worked with SportsYaari and CricketTimes.com, where he developed a strong news sense and a knack for storytelling while covering breaking news and major sporting events. He holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi. Beyond sports, his interests include geopolitics, Indian polity and government policies. Inspired by the grit and passion of Ben Stokes, he strives to bring the same depth in his life.
For inquiries or professional insights, you can reach him directly at varun.verma@jagrannewmedia.com
