Ballon d’Or 2026: My time will come – Yamal breaks silence after losing to Kane

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has spoken out after finishing third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or voting at Monday night’s ceremony in London.

The Spain international finished behind England captain Harry Kane, who won the award, and France captain Kylian Mbappé, who claimed second place.

Despite missing out on the prestigious individual honour, Yamal has expressed confidence in his future, insisting that the setback will not affect his ambitions.

In a message shared on Instagram, the 19-year-old assured supporters that he remains focused on his development and believes his opportunity to win the award will eventually arrive.

“It [Ballon d’Or] will come; good things take time. I trust the path I am building. My time will come,” Yamal wrote on Instagram.

The Barcelona youngster also congratulated Kane on winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, showing his appreciation for the England captain despite finishing behind him in the final rankings.

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Although he missed out on the main award, Yamal secured the Kopa Trophy, which recognises the world’s best young player. He also celebrated winning the 2026 World Cup and the previous season’s LaLiga title, adding to his growing list of achievements.