Ramin Yamal has voiced his ambition to establish and enhance his own career trajectory as he progresses in football. After receiving the Best Forward accolade at the Globe Soccer Awards, the 18-year-old downplayed any comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, noting that the legendary Portuguese player earned his reputation through his uniqueness, which is the same path Yamal hopes to follow as he aims for the summit of the sport.
Yamal is focused on shaping his own career
Although he is early in his career, Yamal is already setting records and carving out his niche at the top.
The 18-year-old has accomplished more than many legends did before turning 18 and is regarded as one of the greatest young talents ever. Yamal, who scored at Euro 2024 at just 16, is the youngest player ever to achieve this and secured victory against Spain shortly after his 17th birthday.
In just 18 months, Yamal finished as runner-up for the 2025 Ballon d’Or and won both the Best Forward and the Diego Armando Maradona Award at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. Ousmane Dembele was honored as the best male player, capping off an exceptional year for the PSG star.
Yamal, the Best Forward Award winner, addresses the audience
“The best thing is not to measure your success against anyone else,” Yamal remarked upon receiving the Best Forward award, according to Fabrizio Romano from X.
“Players like Cristiano Ronaldo became legends by being true to themselves, not by comparing themselves to others.”
“I aim to create my own unique journey.”
Following a remarkable 2025, Yamal stands at the forefront of greatness
Yamal is in consideration for various individual accolades in 2025, and there is considerable optimism that he could clinch the Ballon d’Or and Best Male Player awards if he maintains his current path and garners additional esteemed titles with Barcelona and Spain.
La Liga leaders, Barcelona, have not claimed a Champions League title in a decade, but with the 2026 World Cup approaching, the next chapter of Yamal’s extraordinary journey may usher in even more unforgettable moments.
In September, after finishing runner-up for the Ballon d’Or to Dembele, Yamal shared on Instagram: “God’s plan is perfect. To reach the summit, one must climb. I’m grateful for winning two Copa trophies and I want to congratulate @o. Dembele 7 on his award and an outstanding season.”
Yamal’s distinctive journey is just beginning
While it’s common for fans to draw parallels between Yamal and legends like Ronaldo and Messi, the latest star from Barcelona is charting a distinct course and emphasizing his desire to be recognized for his individuality.
At just 18, he clearly feels he has ample room for growth and advancement, and his swift upward trajectory in such a short time has made direct comparisons challenging. Imagining all he can achieve in the future is an exciting prospect for soccer enthusiasts.
Fan Take: Yamal’s journey is significant for soccer fans as it symbolizes the emergence of a new generation of talent ready to carve their own identities in the sport. His desire to step out of the shadows of past legends could reshape the narrative of future stars in football.
