Barcelona’s new summer signing Marcus Rashford has quickly settled into life at Camp Nou, and he’s already making headlines—not just for his performances, but for his take on the 2025 Ballon d’Or race.

Speaking to the media, Rashford highlighted three of his new teammates who, in his eyes, fully deserve to be in the conversation: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ousmane Dembélé.

“Lamine, Raphinha or [Ousmane] Dembélé. All three deserve it. They had a very, very good season,” Rashford said, underlining the strength of Barcelona’s attacking options.

Yamal’s Growing Case for Ballon d’Or

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of the brightest stars in world football. His dazzling dribbles, creativity, and composure in decisive moments have made him a genuine contender.

Teammates have been vocal in their support:

Gavi called Yamal “special”, insisting that even if he doesn’t lift the award this year, he will surely claim it in the future.

Raphinha praised the youngster as a “spectacular player”, pointing to his raw talent and potential to dominate the global stage.

Even former Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu went as far as to call Yamal the “greatest football creator” in the modern game, suggesting his unique vision and intelligence make him unlike any other player in the Ballon d’Or race.

Raphinha and Dembélé in the Spotlight

While Yamal garners much of the attention, Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé are no less deserving.

Raphinha’s consistency and knack for decisive goals have cemented him as a reliable figure for both club and country.

Dembélé, meanwhile, continues to prove his world-class quality with explosive pace and technical brilliance, offering Barcelona a lethal threat in big matches.

Rashford’s recognition of their contributions reflects the balance and firepower Barça currently possess across their frontline.

A Bright Future for Barcelona

For Rashford, who only recently joined from Manchester United, such comments demonstrate not only admiration but also belief in the squad’s potential. His message was clear: whether the award goes to Yamal now or in the years ahead, Barcelona’s attacking trio will remain central figures in world football.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or conversation is far from over, but with Yamal, Raphinha, and Dembélé all in contention, Barcelona’s future looks set to shine as brightly as its past.