Marcus Rashford believes Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has the potential to win seven Ballon d’Or awards, backing the teenager to become one of football’s greatest players. According to GOAL on Friday, November 6, 2026, the Manchester United forward shared his prediction while meeting supporters at Old Trafford’s Ambassadors’ Lounge.

Rashford, who spent time at Barcelona before returning to United, said Yamal’s ability stood above that of several gifted players he had encountered. He revealed that he praised the teenager before leaving the Catalan club.

“Before I left Barca, I told Lamine Yamal that I had played with some very talented players, but that he is above all of them,” Rashford said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

The England international compared Yamal’s qualities with Lionel Messi’s, describing the Barcelona forward as the closest player he had seen to the Argentine’s level. He said he had never encountered such ability in a player of Yamal’s age.

“I have never seen a player of that age with as much talent as him, he is the closest anyone can be to [Lionel] Messi's level throughout the years,” he added.

Rashford believes Yamal could dominate individual awards. He said seven Ballon d’Or trophies would not surprise him, noting that the teenager has already finished eighth, third and second in the voting at just 19.

“I believe a lot in this boy's talent, if he ends up winning seven Ballon d'Ors it won't surprise me. He has finished second, third, and eighth. And at what age, 19 years old?” he said.

Despite his confidence in Yamal, Rashford acknowledged that Messi remains unique. The Argentine won the Ballon d’Or eight times, setting a remarkable standard in football.

“We will probably never see another player in our lifetime in terms of a complete genius like Leo,” Rashford said.

Rashford also backed Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane for this year’s Ballon d’Or. He praised the England captain’s goalscoring and assists, revealing that he had sent Kane a message to say he deserved the award.

“Kane deserved the Ballon d'Or this year. He scored a stupid amount of goals this year and a stupid amount of assists. I sent him a text message the other day and told him he deserved it,” he said.

He considered Kane’s overall contribution worthy of the game’s biggest individual prize.

The United forward reflected on returning to Old Trafford after loan spells at Barcelona and Aston Villa. He said facing United regularly for Villa made him realise he did not want to keep representing another English club.

“I realized one thing... I couldn't keep playing against United every season,” he explained.

Rashford added that he had instructed his agent to explore opportunities outside the Premier League if a return to Manchester United could not be arranged. He also credited former United defender Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick with offering advice that helped convince him to return.

His comments reflect the impression Yamal made during their time together and Rashford’s confidence in the teenager’s ability.