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Yamal claims he deserves 2026 Ballon d'Or but fears his age may count against him

World champion at 19 with Spain, Lamine Yamal believes he has been at Ballon d'Or level « for quite some time now », but fears voters may defer the award, as they did in 2025.

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Yamal claims he deserves 2026 Ballon d'Or but fears his age may count against him
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Lamine Yamal does not mince words: the FC Barcelona prodigy believes he is capable of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, to be awarded on 26 October in London, and he made this clear in an interview with the Guardian.

« It is not only this year that I am at a level allowing me to win the Ballon d’Or, but for quite some time now. Everyone knows it, » said the Spanish winger. At 19 years old — he turned 19 on 13 July, less than a week before being crowned world champion with the Roja — Yamal is one of the two main favourites in this vote alongside Kylian Mbappé.

His main obstacle may not be sporting. The Spaniard himself identifies the risk that voters, convinced he will claim the trophy « one day », prefer to reward someone else this year again. « I simply have to win, win and win, and the moment will come when there is no longer any doubt, » he replies to those who are hesitant.

The parallel with Neymar naturally comes to mind. The Brazilian, presented as a future Ballon d’Or winner from his early days, never managed to lift one — victim, it is true, of historic competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Yamal does not face the same wall, but the syndrome of « he will have it later » could cost him dearly if his performances in the 2025-2026 season leave no room for doubt in the minds of the jury.

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