Jorge Mendes has backed Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The super-agent called the Barcelona star “by far” the best player in the world. He believes Yamal is the only logical choice for the award.
Mendes made these comments after having dinner with Barcelona president Joan Laporta. The dinner lasted two hours. When Mendes came out, journalists were waiting. He told them clearly that the Ballon d’Or should go to Yamal. He said Yamal deserves it the most. He also said Yamal is the best in the world by a wide margin.
Yamal has said similar things about himself. In an interview with Universo Valdano, he said he would give the award to the best player in the world. He named himself and Kylian Mbappe as the top two. But he added that he deserves it this year because of what he has achieved. He said everyone who watches the matches knows that.
Yamal had a remarkable season, helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup. He also played a key role as Barcelona won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. He scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists across all competitions. That combination of team trophies and individual numbers makes him a strong candidate for the award.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on October 26 in London. This is the 70th edition of the award. It is also the first time the ceremony will be held outside Paris. His competition with Mbappe for the award will continue to be a major talking point.
Álvaro Morata Backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or and Praises His Hidden Work Behind the Scenes
Alvaro Morata has backed Lamine Yamal to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. The former Real Madrid striker, now playing for Leganes, spoke to COPE about his picks for the award. He named several Spanish players, including Rodri and Yamal. He also mentioned Kylian Mbappe and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as top choices.
Morata feels Yamal does not always get enough credit for his work away from the spotlight. He said the Barcelona teenager is much smarter and much harder-working than many people think. He pointed to the way Yamal studies matches and prepares for them. That side of his game, according to Morata, often goes unnoticed.
Yamal is known for his creativity, confidence, and technical ability. Those qualities have made him one of the most recognisable young players in the world. But Morata focused on what Yamal does before he even steps onto the pitch. He called that preparation a big reason for his success.
Morata also said he believes Yamal is the best. He noted that Yamal was already dominating in Europe at the age of 16. He described what he has seen with his own eyes as absolutely incredible.
Yamal is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Barcelona are doing what they can to support his case. Coach Hansi Flick, sporting director Deco, and club president Joan Laporta have all backed him. He can become the youngest player ever to win the Ballon d’Or. He can also be the first teenager to receive the award.
FAQs
Q. Who has backed Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
A. Jorge Mendes and Alvaro Morata have backed him.
Q. Who does Jorge Mendes call the best player in the world?
A. Mended calls Lamine Yamal the best player by far.
Q. How many goals and assists did Yamal record?
A. Yamal scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists.
Q. When will the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner be announced?
A. The winner will be announced on October 26 in London.
Q. What record could Yamal achieve by winning the award?
A. Yamal could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner.
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