Jorge Mendes, the former agent of Cristiano Ronaldo, has said Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal deserves to win the Ballon d’Or award this year.

Yamal’s club team-mate, Raphinha, is widely seen as the top contender for the prize at the moment.

But Mendes has said the Spaniard has been playing at a high level this season.

“Lamine Yamal deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

“He’s been the best player in the world this season, that’s very clear.

“Lamine’s level has been worth the Ballon d’Or,” he said.

Yamal won the last edition of the Euros with Spain and is set to win the LaLiga title with Barcelona this season.

Across all competitions, Yamal has scored 16 goals and provided 20 assists in 52 games played.