2026 Ballon d’Or: Lamine Yamal makes his strongest case for the prize
By Luke Oluoch, September 23, 2026Lamine Yamal has spoken out about what the prestigious accolade means to him ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 26, 2026, in London.
At just 19 years of age, the Spanish wonderkid is firmly at the centre of the 2026 Ballon d’Or race following a historic campaign.
Speaking to the Ballon d’Or media on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the Barcelona star, who already boasts a remarkable collection of major trophies, made a passionate case for his candidacy.
“I think everyone who watches football knows what my arguments are. I am a player who is different, the one who you will enjoy watching play and watch a game just for him,” he said.
He emphasised that his ambitions go beyond raw statistics: “It has nothing to do with the number of goals or anything else. When I think of the Ballon d’Or, I think about players like Messi or Ronaldinho.”
The two-time Kopa Trophy winner, previously awarded to the best young talent in the world, noted that beyond his unique playing style, bringing a smile to people’s faces is what defines true greatness.
Club and country achievements
The player also highlighted that his style of play, combined with the major titles won with FC Barcelona and the Spain national football team, firmly supports his case, while acknowledging Kylian Mbappé as a primary rival for the award.
“I was also lucky to win a lot of trophies with Barcelona and Spain. It has been like a dream two years, and I have been able to win the most important title, the World Cup, with Spain. But beyond that, I think the way I play is my strongest argument,” he stressed.
“In addition to being a good player, the best players always make their team win. When your team wins, everyone stands out and you all shine brighter. Thank God I have been winning with Barcelona and the national team, and we want to keep winning, so on an individual level, I am very happy,” he added.
While he faces stiff competition from the likes of Harry Kane, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé, and elite players from reigning UEFA Champions League winners PSG, Yamal will hope his incredible individual catalogue of trophies puts him in a commanding position.
Lamine Yamal’s honours
He currently boasts three La Liga titles (2023, 2025, 2026) and a 2025 domestic treble. Individually, he won the Kopa Trophy in 2024 and 2025. Internationally, Yamal has earned over 30 caps, scored 7 goals, and starred in 7 matches at the 2026 World Cup, adding Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League to his glittering resume.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on October 26 at the London Palladium, coinciding with the award’s historic 70th anniversary.