Strong backing from a team-mate
Raphinha has made his call. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Barcelona winger named Lamine Yamal as his clear favourite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. It’s a firm stance, with journalists’ voting due to close on 28 September.
“For me, Lamine Yamal is the big favourite for the Ballon d’Or,” Raphinha said. “Lamine creates magic on the pitch, with rare charisma and personality. Beyond his goals and assists, he’s got trophies, La Liga with Barca, the World Cup with Spain, and extraordinary talent.”
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A trophy haul that matters
Raphinha’s argument isn’t pulled out of thin air. Yamal lifted La Liga with Barca last season, before winning the World Cup with Spain this summer. Two major trophies to go with strong individual numbers, all at just 19 years of age.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on 26 October in London. Until then, the noise will only grow across football, with team-mates, coaches and former players all backing their man to follow the latest winner.
A vote under pressure
The Ballon d’Or race has been heating up behind the scenes across European football for weeks. Between criticism of the voting format and public comments from players such as Rodri, every statement helps shape, or at least stir up, the debate around the game’s most prized individual award.
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