Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has named Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Pedri as his top picks for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, citing their standout performances during the 2024/25 season with the Catalan club.
Speaking in an interview with EFE, as reported by Hobnob News Nigeria, Merino praised the young Spanish stars for their consistency and influence throughout the campaign, during which Barcelona clinched both the LaLiga title and the Copa del Rey.
“I hope the [Ballon d’Or] goes to Lamine Yamal or Pedri,” said Merino. “They’re players we have in the national team who’ve had an incredible season.”
Despite not winning the UEFA Champions League, Merino believes that both players have proven themselves to be on par with the best footballers in the world. He noted that international success with Spain in the UEFA Nations League could further boost their chances of clinching football’s most prestigious individual honour.
“They haven’t won the Champions League, but they’ve shown all year that they’re at the level of the best,” Merino said. “Hopefully, Spain wins the Nations League. It would give them a push — we also want to win it to give another title to Spain and for our own personal ambitions.”
The comments come as Yamal, 17, and Pedri, 22, continue to dazzle both domestically and internationally. Yamal’s breakout season has seen him hailed as one of the brightest young talents in world football, while Pedri’s creative midfield brilliance remains central to both Barcelona and Spain’s tactical setups.
The Ballon d’Or 2025 race is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with several players across Europe making strong cases. However, should Spain secure the Nations League title, it could tip the scales in favour of Merino’s Barcelona teammates.
The Nations League finals are set to take place later this summer, and the performances of Yamal and Pedri could be decisive — not just for Spain’s trophy hopes, but for individual glory as well.
Stay with Hobnob News Nigeria for the latest updates on the Ballon d’Or race and other football stories around the globe.
