Barcelona VP Rafa Yuste backs Lamine Yamal for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has named winger Lamine Yamal as the player who deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. According to Yuste, Yamal deserves the award because he brought happiness to many boys and girls. “Lamine deserves the Ballon d’Or for bringing so much happiness to so many boys and girls,” Yuste said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. Yamal came close to winning the Ballon d’Or last year after he finished in second place behind the winner, Ousmane Dembélé. The 19-year-old won the LaLiga title with Barcelona last season and also won the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain.
This endorsement highlights Yamal’s rapid rise and the belief within Barcelona’s leadership that his impact extends beyond statistics. It may influence fan perception and voter sentiment ahead of the France Football award ceremony. Yamal’s combination of youth, major trophies, and widespread appeal positions him as a potential contender for football’s highest individual honour.
If Yamal maintains his current trajectory, could he become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner? What qualities should define the award in an era where global happiness and inspiration matter as much as on-field performance?