Raphinha backs Lamine Yamal to win 2026 Ballon d'Or 'by a mile'

Barcelona forward Raphinha has declared that his teammate Lamine Yamal should win the 2026 Ballon d'Or 'by a mile'. The 19-year-old winger is one of the 30 nominees for the award after helping Barcelona secure domestic trophies and being part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad. Raphinha praised Yamal's statistics, trophy haul and global appeal, saying fans would pay any price to watch him play and that he himself would do the same.

For Nigerian football enthusiasts, Yamal's rapid rise highlights the next generation of elite talent emerging from Europe's academies, offering a concrete example of what dedication and early success can look like. His presence among Ballon d'Or contenders also shifts the conversation about who might break the recent dominance of traditional winners, potentially opening space for more diverse footballing styles and backgrounds to be recognised at the sport's highest individual honour.

If you follow the Ballon d'Or race, keep an eye on Yamal's performances in La Liga and Champions League matches over the coming months, as his form will heavily influence the voting. Consider how his development mirrors pathways taken by other African-born stars who have made their mark in European football, and think about what lessons his journey holds for aspiring players back home.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/19/2026-ballon-dor-raphinha-names-player-to-should-win-it-by-a-mile/