Why Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or case is not as clear-cut as it seems – Kwame Bediako writes

Lamine Yamal's potential Ballon d'Or win has sparked debate among football fans, not just about his talent, but also how the award should be determined. At just 19, he helped Barcelona secure La Liga and won the World Cup with Spain, joining a trophy list that few players could match. Despite his success, critics argue that the Ballon d'Or should go to the player who excels at the biggest stages, not just those with the most prestigious trophies.

Yamal's performance in the 2025/26 Champions League and his lackluster World Cup were cited as major concerns. He scored only one goal and provided no assists during the World Cup, while his Champions League impact was less dramatic than some of his rivals. However, his dribbling, vision, and ability to change matches have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in world football.

He was even the youngest player to reach 10 combined goals and assists in a single Champions League edition. Yamal's achievements extend beyond individual performances. He won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the World Cup, as well as participating in European Championship and World Cup finals before his 20th birthday. These accomplishments cannot be overlooked, even if his World Cup performance fell short.

As per the Ballon d'Or criteria, individual displays are prioritized, but collective success and titles also play a role. In my view, Yamal is certainly deserving of consideration, but winning the award may not be straightforward. While he is undoubtedly the future of football and could become a multiple winner, the award should go to the player who consistently delivers elite individual performance and decisive impact on the grandest stage.