Inter Milan Legend Certain: ‘Lautaro Martinez Is Capable Of Winning The Ballon D’Or’ | OneFootball

Legendary former Inter Milan striker Alessandro Altobelli believes that Lautaro Martinez is “capable of winning the Ballon d’Or.”

Altobelli gave his thoughts in an interview in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInter1908.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or this year.

This will in fact be the second year in a row in which the Argentine is on the thirty-player shortlist for the award.

Martinez may not have had his most prolific season in Serie A last season. Nor did he managed to get his hands on any silverware at club or international level as in previous years.

However, it was in the Champions League that Martinez really shone.

The 27-year-old was undoubtedly one of Inter’s key players in their run to the final of Europe’s top club competition for the second time in three seasons.

Inter Legend Altobelli: “Lautaro Martinez Capable Of Winning The Ballon D’Or”

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano crosses the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Legendary former Inter striker Alessandro Altobelli said that Martinez looks like the “same old Toro” in recent friendlies.

“Always hungry for goals, and especially trophies.”

“He scored a great goal in Monte Carlo [against Monaco],” said Altobelli. “And the new signings will also give him a hand.”

“I hope it’s a great year. We’re Inter, and we need to get back to winning ways.”

The former striker declared that “Another season without trophies would be out of the question.”

And of Martinez’s inclusion on the thirty-player Ballon d’Or shortlist, Altobelli said that “he deserves it.”

“And he could even win it! Why not?”

“He needs to have a top season with Inter and Argentina,” the former Nerazzurri striker added. “Maybe he’ll even be champion again, like in Qatar.”

“Right now though there are three or four players in the world who are better than him.”

Altobelli also said that Inter “have to do everything they can to make sure he finishes his career with the Nerazzurri.”