At just 17 years old, Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal is quickly becoming a household name in European football. On Thursday night, he delivered a sensational performance in the UEFA Nations League semifinal against France, scoring twice in Spain’s thrilling 5–4 victory. His heroics so impressed Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente that he declared after the match, “Yamal deserves the Ballon d’Or.”

The semifinal clash between Spain and France turned into a goal-fest, with both teams showcasing high-octane attacking football. Spain’s goals came from Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Pedri, and the young sensation Yamal. He netted his first from the penalty spot in the 54th minute and added another in the 67th, effectively sealing the win for La Roja. Though France mounted a strong comeback attempt, Spain held firm to secure their place in the final.

Yamal’s overall stats are already eye-catching: 18 goals and 25 assists in just 55 appearances for club and country. For a teenager, such numbers are extraordinary—and they’ve placed him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. Many now believe he has surpassed even France’s Ousmane Dembélé in contention. Coach De la Fuente was emphatic in his praise: “He’s proven his worth. In my eyes, he’s the best player in the world right now and fully deserves the Ballon d’Or.”

Spain’s win sets up a blockbuster final against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Sunday. With both sides boasting in-form attacking units, De la Fuente expects another thrilling contest—and believes Yamal could once again be the difference-maker.

Yamal’s performance has undoubtedly opened more doors on football’s biggest stage. Whether he can go on to actually lift the Ballon d’Or remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this young star is just getting started.