Rashford says Yamal could win seven Ballon d'Or awards
The Manchester United forward played alongside the Barcelona teenager during his 2025-26 loan spell in Spain.
Marcus Rashford has rated Barcelona's Lamine Yamal above every other teammate he has played with for natural talent, saying he would not be surprised if the teenager eventually won seven Ballon d'Or trophies.
The Manchester United forward offered his assessment during a question-and-answer event for supporters at Old Trafford before the Champions League match against Roma. The Manchester Evening News reported his remarks.
Rashford, 29, said he had told Yamal about his admiration before returning from Barcelona in the summer. His past teammates include Cristiano Ronaldo at United and Harry Kane with England, but he said he had never encountered comparable talent in someone of Yamal's age.
He suggested the 19-year-old could approach Lionel Messi's level over time, while acknowledging that the Argentine's full range of abilities might never be replicated. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times.
Yamal has not won the senior award. He finished eighth in 2024, second to Ousmane Dembele in 2025 and third in October 2026, behind Kane and Kylian Mbappe. He also won the Kopa Trophy for a third consecutive year.
Rashford also said he had sent Kane a congratulatory message after the ceremony, praising the Bayern Munich striker's scoring and creativity.
