Barcelona captain, Raphinha, has listed reasons teammate, Lamine Yamal should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Raphinha has claimed Yamal possesses the unique combination of silverware and individual brilliance to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour.
At least 100 journalists around the world are preparing to submit their final votes to France Football by September 28, to determine this year’s winner.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Raphinha said: “Above all, I believe that winning the Ballon d’Or is about individual statistics, team honors and the magic he has on the pitch. Charisma and everything like this.
“For me, these are the most important points to win the award. And I think Lamine has them all.”
Raphinha was excluded from the final 30-man shortlist for the award, while Yamal made the cut.
2026 Ballon d’Or: Raphinha lists three reasons Yamal should win award