2026 Ballon D’Or: Raphinha Names Player Who Should Win It “By A Mile”

Barcelona forward Raphinha has backed his teammate Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the young winger should claim the award “by a mile.”

Raphinha was not included among the 30 nominees for the prestigious individual award, while Yamal made the shortlist.

The 19-year-old Barcelona star is considered one of the leading contenders after winning trophies with Barcelona and Spain.

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Raphinha praised Yamal’s performances and said he deserves the award based on his statistics, trophies and popularity among football fans.

“Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or by a mile,” Raphinha said.

“He has the numbers, he has won trophies, with the club and he has won the World Cup.

“People will pay whatever it takes to watch him play, and I would pay it too.”