Nico Williams backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or

Following Spain's commanding 4-1 victory over Croatia in the Nations League, Nico Williams has championed Lamine Yamal's credentials for the Ballon d'Or. Yamal delivered a standout performance in Seville, netting a brace and providing an assist, building on his recent momentum after scoring against England at Wembley.

Williams, who also found the net in the emphatic win, was effusive in his praise for the teenage Barcelona winger. Speaking to reporters after the match, he insisted:

Lamine deserves the Ballon d'Or. There are many opinions, but anyone who knows about football and likes football has to know that Lamine is the best.

The public endorsement comes off the back of a trophy-laden campaign for Yamal, who secured the Liga title, the Spanish Super Cup, and played a key role in Spain's World Cup glory in the United States. Having finished as the runner-up to Ousmane Dembele last year, the 19-year-old is now considered a primary contender alongside elite stars Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.

The win in Seville extended the world champions' unbeaten streak to 40 matches, reinforcing their top position in Nations League Group A3. With voting officially closed, all attention now turns to the gala ceremony in London on October 26, where the winner will be crowned.