Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal has said he will not campaign or “beg” to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting that his performances should speak for themselves.
Yamal made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to reporters ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord, shortly after the nominees for this year’s prestigious individual award were announced.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the leading contenders for the prize after an outstanding season with Barcelona and Spain. He helped Spain win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and also played a key role as Barcelona secured another La Liga title.
“I don’t think I need to [campaign for it]. I’m not thinking about what I deserve, everyone can think what they like,” Yamal said.
“I’m proud of everything I’ve done this year with my club and with the national team. We’ve become world champions, we’ve won the league again. I can’t ask for anything more.”
Yamal added that deciding the winner was ultimately beyond his control, saying, “This is your job and I will not beg for anything.”
His comments come as competition for the 2026 Ballon d’Or intensifies. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane are also among the leading contenders, while reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé and Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are also in contention.
The race is significant for Yamal, who finished second behind Dembélé in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting. Winning this year would mark another major achievement for the Barcelona teenager.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, where football’s top individual honours will be presented.
