Dowman, Lamine Yamal 2035 Ballon d\'Or Contender In ESPN Projections
ESPN analyzed historical patterns of Ballon d\'Or winners to predict potential 2035 recipients, identifying Arsenal\'s 15-year-old Max Dowman and Barcelona\'s Lamine Yamal among the top contenders based on career trajectories of past winners.
The analysis examined what previous Ballon d\'Or winners were doing exactly 10 years before claiming the award. Historical data revealed winners averaged 19 years old during their breakthrough periods, spanning from preteen prodigies to established professionals.
Arsenal\'s Dowman represents the youngest category after making Premier League appearances at just 15 years old. His early professional debut mirrors Michael Owen\'s path, who won the 2001 Ballon d\'Or after signing with Liverpool\'s youth academy at age 12.
Barcelona\'s Yamal headlines the established teenage professional category alongside Chelsea\'s Estevao. Both players have already proven themselves at soccer\'s highest levels, matching the development patterns of past winners Luis Figo and Andriy Shevchenko.
Liverpool\'s Rio Ngumoha and Lille\'s Ayyoub Bouaddi join the secondary teenage group. These players have professional experience but require further development, similar to Ronaldinho and Kaká\'s early career phases.
The analysis identified Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz as early-20s contenders. These players would be in their 30s by 2035, testing whether aging patterns in modern soccer allow for late-career Ballon d\'Or victories.
Kylian Mbappe emerged as the peak-age favorite despite being 26 years old. His superior injury record compared to Erling Haaland and exceptional goal-scoring output provide advantages for long-term success.
ESPN noted that Mbappe needs just five more goals or assists this season to become only the second player since 1990 to reach 300 combined goals and assists by age 26, matching Lionel Messi\'s historic achievement.