Mendes bets on Yamal: a Ballon d'Or dream taking shape

Jorge Mendes bets on Yamal's future Ballon d'Or run

Jorge Mendes, the renowned football agent, praised Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's rising star, noting his readiness to chase and win a Ballon d'Or someday.

Mendes accepted the Globe Soccer Award for Best Agent on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring Yamal's growing status as a global star.

In remarks relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Mendes said: "Lamine Yamal is a player of the future, and I believe he can still win the world's best player award." He added: "Lamine knows exactly what he does on and off the pitch. He is a wonderful, young player who learns constantly."

He concluded: "In his best form, he can win titles and individual honors with Barcelona, and could become the world's best player in the next ten years."

Yamal finished second in this year's Ballon d'Or, behind Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain. He also earned two Globe Soccer prizes: Best Young Player in La Liga and Best Striker in the World.

Punchline time: If Yamal keeps this pace, the Ballon d'Or might need a frequent flyer program. And Mendes? He'll sign the trophy, stamp the paperwork, and call it a done deal.

Sniper joke: If football were a duet, Yamal would hit the high note and Mendes would handle the encore with an autograph-laden contract.