Yamal, Mbappe, and the next generation: AI forecasts every Ballon d'Or winner until 2040

An artificial intelligence model published by sports network GiveMeSport has forecasted the winners of the Ballon d'Or up to the year 2040 predicting that Lamine Yamal will claim the prestigious prize on three separate occasions.

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Yamal set for triple glory

According to the AI projections, the 19 year old Spanish prodigy is tipped to win the Golden Ball in 2026, 2029 and 2032. This feat would make Yamal the most decorated player on the hypothetical list cementing his status as the leading talent of his generation following the historic era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Alongside the Barcelona winger, Kylian Mbappé is backed to win the award in 2027, followed by German international Jamal Musiala in 2028.

The next generation of stars

The artificial intelligence model also mapped out the award's trajectory throughout the 2030s highlighting several emerging teenagers who are expected to dominate global football.

The forecasted winners for the upcoming decade include:

• 2030: Endrick (Brazil)
• 2031: Florian Wirtz (Germany)
• 2033: Estêvão Willian (Brazil)
• 2034: Désiré Doué (France)
• 2035: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
• 2036: Warren Zaïre-Emery (France)
• 2037: Arda Güler (Turkey)
• 2038: Claudio Echeverri (Argentina)
• 2039: Franco Mastantuono (Argentina)
• 2040: Kobbie Mainoo (England)

A speculative glimpse into the future

While these AI predictions provide an entertaining look at football's potential future, the reality of the Ballon d'Or is notoriously difficult to forecast. The prestigious award relies heavily on real-time individual form, major tournament success, and team trophies rather than pure potential.

However, the heavy presence of current teenage sensations accurately reflects the incredible impact this new generation is already having on the highest levels of European football. As these young players develop, the race for the sport's highest individual honor promises to be far more open than it was during the previous decade.

What Happens Next?

These players will continue to focus on their immediate development during the current domestic season, aiming to secure the major club and international trophies that ultimately decide the real-world Ballon d'Or voting.

For established stars like Mbappé and Yamal, the focus will be on maintaining their elite form to eventually translate these digital predictions into reality.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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