{
  "id": 11125120,
  "title": "Former Real Madrid defender names surprise Spanish pick over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘All got their merits’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/former-real-madrid-defender-names-surprise-spanish-pick-over-lamine",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T06:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-real-madrid-defender-names-062000359.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ex-Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia has stirred the pot regarding Spain's Ballon d’Or contender for 2026, stating that he believes several Spanish players have a strong case. During an interview with El Larguero, Garcia, who now plays for Real Betis, mentioned a handful of names without singling out any single candidate. He expressed that \"they’re spoilt for choice\" when it comes to picking a Spanish winner, alluding to the merits of the national team players.\n\nWhen asked to make a final choice, Garcia revealed that Fabian Ruiz is his pick, despite the impressive performance of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. Yamal, the young Barcelona forward, has been a leading contender after a stellar season, netting 24 goals and providing 17 assists in 45 appearances as Barcelona secured La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. Yamal's statistics, coupled with his contributions to Spain's World Cup triumph, make him a strong contender for the award.\n\nDespite Yamal's outstanding season, Garcia chose to support Fabian Ruiz, a Real Madrid defender, for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. This choice highlights the fierce competition among Spanish players, with Ruiz, Rodri, and Yamal each possessing their own unique merits. As the voters prepare to decide the ultimate recipient in London, Garcia's comments shed light on the intense rivalry within the Spanish football squad.",
  "summary": "Former Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia believes Spain have several genuine contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but he would pick Fabian Ruiz ahead of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.The award will be ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Fran Garcia opens up on sudden Real Madrid summer exit: ‘Did not speak to Mourinho before leaving’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/fran-garcia-opens-up-on-sudden-real-madrid-summer-exit-did-not-speak",
        "published": "2026-10-01T07:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}