Lamine Yamal’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has boldly claimed that the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation was the best footballer in the world this year.

Speaking at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday, Mendes suggested that Yamal's age might have worked against him when it came to securing top votes.

“Lamine was the best player in the world in 2024… but people didn’t vote for him because he’s only 17,” Mendes stated. “They believe he has plenty of time to win such awards in the future.”

Despite finishing 8th in the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, Yamal still had a standout year. The Spanish international clinched the award for the Best Young Player in the World, cementing his place as one of football’s brightest stars.

Yamal ranked behind global icons like Rodri, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lautaro Martinez in the Ballon d’Or standings. Yet, at just 17 years old, his achievements are already turning heads, with many predicting an even brighter future ahead.

Could Lamine Yamal claim the ultimate crown in years to come? Football fans worldwide are watching closely.