**Title: “Capello Dismisses Yamal-Messi Comparisons but Backs Young Star for Ballon d’Or”**
Former Italian and Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has addressed the growing hype around Barcelona’s young talent Lamine Yamal, urging caution in comparing him to Lionel Messi. Capello, known for his tactical acumen, emphasized that Yamal, despite his brilliance, is not at Messi’s level yet. He referenced Inter Milan’s success in stopping Messi in 2010 as proof that even the greatest can be contained, suggesting Yamal still has much to prove.
The Italian coach expressed surprise at the exaggerated comparisons between Yamal and Messi, calling them premature. While acknowledging Yamal’s exceptional potential, Capello stressed that Messi’s legacy is unparalleled. His comments come amid rising excitement over Yamal’s performances, with some fans and pundits already likening him to the Argentine icon.
However, Capello’s skepticism didn’t stop him from praising Yamal’s current impact. In a surprising twist, he revealed that he would vote for the 17-year-old as his top pick for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. This bold endorsement highlights Capello’s belief in Yamal’s immediate influence on the game, despite his young age.
Capello’s Ballon d’Or shortlist also included Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, two established superstars. Yet, his preference for Yamal above them signals his confidence in the teenager’s rapid development. The former manager’s vote reflects a growing trend of recognizing young talents early, as seen with previous winners like Messi and Ronaldo in their early careers.
The debate over Yamal’s potential has intensified as he continues to shine for Barcelona. His dribbling, creativity, and composure have drawn inevitable parallels to Messi, but Capello’s remarks serve as a reminder of the Argentine’s unmatched achievements. Messi’s consistency, longevity, and trophy haul set a benchmark few can realistically reach.
Despite downplaying the Messi comparisons, Capello’s Ballon d’Or stance suggests he sees Yamal as a future great. His comments balance realism with optimism—acknowledging the hype while endorsing Yamal’s undeniable talent. This nuanced perspective adds to the conversation about how young stars should be evaluated against all-time legends.
Yamal’s rise has been meteoric, and Capello’s endorsement could further boost his profile. However, the pressure of being labeled a “next Messi” comes with immense expectations. Capello’s words may help temper some of the overexcitement while still recognizing Yamal’s extraordinary abilities.
As the 2025 Ballon d’Or race heats up, Capello’s vote will undoubtedly spark discussions. Whether Yamal can live up to such high praise remains to be seen, but his talent is undeniable. For now, the football world watches closely as the young star continues his journey, with legends like Capello both cautioning against and fueling the hype.