Ballon D’Or 2026: Alex Baena Names Top 3 Players To Win Award

Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena has named Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi as his top three players to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Organisers of the prestigious award had already announced a 30-man shortlist for this year’s prize.

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Baena revealed his top three during an interview shared by DAZN Futbol.

“My Ballon d’Or top 3? Lamine, Rodri, and Messi,” Baena said.

The Spanish midfielder also praised the three players, describing Yamal as the best player in the world.

“Lamine is the best in the world. Rodri proved it at the World Cup – and Messi, with what he’s doing at 39 years old, it’s very hard for any player to do the same.”

Among Baena’s three choices, Yamal is the only player who has never won the Ballon d’Or.

Rodri has won the award once, while Messi is a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.