Gullit, however, named two Paris Saint-Germain players as stronger contenders for the coveted award.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Pundit and former Dutch international Ruud Gullit has insisted that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal cannot win the coveted Ballon d’Or this year.
The ex-Chelsea midfielder made this known recently during a candid interview with Goal.
According to Gullit, despite having a relatively successful season, Yamal will be overlooked because he was unable to lead the Blaugrana to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final this season.
He, however, suggested that Paris Saint-Germain’s duo of Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha are stronger contenders for the award, having qualified for the elite European competition’s final and won it.
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Speaking during the interview, Gullit said: “Yamal cannot win that [Ballon d’Or] this time anyway.
“He has not been in the Champions League final. He needs to excel at the World Cup to be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.
“So who else is in the Champions League final who comes close this year? [Ousmane] Dembélé. He has already won it.
“For me, one of the best is Vitinha. He is the engine of PSG’s midfield and could be a fantastic player as well at the World Cup.”
