Rashford Puts Lamine Yamal Closest to Messi, Tips Seven Ballon d'Ors

Marcus Rashford has placed Lamine Yamal in rare company, calling the Barcelona teenager the player closest to Lionel Messi and predicting he could win seven Ballon d'Or awards. Rashford, a former teammate of Yamal, said the young winger's natural ability is extraordinary and stands out even among elite players.

The comparison is a heavy one, and Rashford was quick to qualify it. He stressed that Messi's genius is in a category of its own, but argued that Yamal has the kind of raw gifts that are rarely seen in the modern game. For a player still early in his career, the praise underlines how much expectation already surrounds him at Barcelona and with Spain.

Rashford also used the interview to back Harry Kane in the race for the latest Ballon d'Or, adding his voice to the debate over who deserves the award after a strong season.

The former Manchester United forward also explained why he chose to return to Old Trafford rather than join another Premier League club. He had other options in England, but his position was that his path led back to United, the club where he came through and built his reputation.

Taken together, the remarks show a player who is willing to speak openly about the game's biggest questions, from the greatest talents of his generation to his own career decisions.