Ballon d’Or 2026: Barcelona President, Joan Laporta Gives Two Reasons Yamal Should Win Award

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has explained why he believes winger Lamine Yamal should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta highlighted two main reasons for backing the young Barcelona star: Yamal’s impressive season and his ability to consistently entertain football fans with his performances.

Laporta also admitted that Barcelona has several players among the candidates and said the club is proud of all of them. However, he would be particularly pleased if Yamal wins the prestigious individual award.

“As a Barça fan and as president of Barça, I want a Barça player to win the Ballon d’Or,” Laporta said.

“There are many candidates, and we are very proud of them all. And if it is Lamine Yamal, well, I will be very happy because he’s had a great season and is constantly entertaining the football world with his performances.”

Yamal’s performances have placed him among the leading contenders for the 2026 award, although he faces competition from other high-profile players, including Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé.

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The Ballon d’Or winner will be determined from a field featuring several of the world’s top players, with Laporta making it clear that his preference is for Yamal to bring the prestigious award back to Barcelona.