2026 Ballon d’Or: Yamal Reveals Six Players That Could Win Instead Of Him

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has identified six players he believes could win the 2026 Ballon d’Or instead of him.

In an interview with Guardian Sports, Yamal suggested that his young age could work against him in the voting for the prestigious individual award.

The 19-year-old explained that some voters may feel he has plenty of time to win the Ballon d’Or in the future, which could influence their decision this year.

“I think, being totally honest, there is one thing that people I don’t know if they are going to change but I think people think that, as Lamine is 19 years old and Lamine is very good, he is going to win at some point,” Yamal said.

The Barcelona winger then named six players who could potentially win the award ahead of him. They include Kylian Mbappé, Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane.

“So, let’s say Mbappe, Fabian, Rodri, Kvaratskhelia, Messi, Kane,” Yamal stated.

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Yamal added that voters could believe he will remain among the leading contenders for several years because of his age and current level of performance.

“They think that I will always be there and that I will win eventually,” he said.