Barcelona captain Raphinha has described his teammate Lamine Yamal as the best footballer in the world at present, praising the young forward for his outstanding performances and growing influence on the team.

According to a report by Daily Post Nigeria on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Brazilian international expressed confidence in Yamal’s position among the world’s elite players, arguing that his performances have placed him ahead of his competitors.

Speaking to CazeTV, Raphinha said he believed there was little doubt about Yamal’s current standing in world football.

“Lamine is proving that he is the best player in the world right now,” he said.

The Barcelona captain further suggested that there was a significant gap between the teenager and the player he considers the second-best in the world.

Yamal rose to prominence after making his breakthrough into Barcelona’s senior team in 2023 under former manager Xavi Hernández. Since then, he has established himself as one of the club’s most influential players and an important member of Spain’s national team.

At 19, Yamal is already among the prominent names being discussed in connection with the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on Monday, with growing attention focused on the players competing for football’s prestigious individual honour.

Raphinha’s endorsement has further intensified the spotlight on his teammate ahead of the ceremony. However, the eventual winner will be determined by the voters responsible for selecting the recipient.

The Brazilian’s comments also reflect the expectations surrounding Yamal’s future as he continues to develop his career. Although the Ballon d’Or recognises performances over a broader period, Raphinha maintains that the young forward’s current form makes him the outstanding player in world football.