Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘I don’t care what he’s won’ – Craig Burley names favourite to award

Barcelona forward Joao Cancelo has voiced his belief that fellow teammate Lamine Yamal is the sole player positioned to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or award. The young player's performance, both at club and country level, has cemented his status as the world's best, according to Cancelo. In a recent interview, Cancelo asserted that there is no other competitor who deserves the prestigious accolade this year, stating: "The only player who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or is Lamine Yamal.

At just 19, he has already secured numerous trophies, including the World Cup, Euros, and multiple titles with Barça, and his season has been exceptional... he is undoubtedly the best talent and player in the world. In my opinion, there is no other contender for the Ballon d'Or. It must be Lamine."

Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, echoed Cancelo's sentiments, describing Yamal as an extraordinary talent, unique to Barcelona. Flick acknowledged that no other player compares to the Spanish international, praising Yamal's exceptional qualities that shine through in every match. Flick remarked: "Of course, he is my player, a player for Barcelona. He deserves to win the Ballon d'Or. For me, it's fantastic. His special qualities are evident in every match. No one possesses what he has. I firmly believe he deserves it."

Lionel Messi, the last Barcelona player to claim the Ballon d’Or, remains the only other player from Barcelona to have won the prestigious award.