Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has named Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal as the likely winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the 19‑year‑old has “earned the right” to claim the prestigious award.
“I would give the Ballon d’Or to Lamine. He plays for our country, he is Spanish, and he has more than earned the right to win it,” Cazorla told SPORT.
Yamal, who has impressed for both club and country, is among the top favourites to lift the trophy this year. The Spanish international’s performances for Barcelona and the national team have drawn widespread praise.
He will face stiff competition from Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, both of whom are also strong contenders for the award.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, recognises the best footballer in the world each year.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>