Yamal refuses to campaign for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has said he will not campaign or beg to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.

The 19-year-old made the statement on Tuesday while speaking to reporters ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord.

Yamal is among the leading contenders for this year’s award after helping Barcelona win La Liga and playing a key role in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.

The youngster finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting behind his former Barcelona teammate, Ousmane Dembele.

However, Yamal said he would leave the decision to the voters and remain focused on his performances.

“I don’t think I need to advertise myself.

Everyone can think what they want. I am proud of what I have achieved, and I couldn’t wish for anything more. That is your job, I won’t beg for anything,” Yamal said.

The Barcelona star was also asked about Kylian Mbappe, who recently made a case for himself after winning the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot and becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Yamal maintained that he was satisfied with his own achievements and was not interested in campaigning for the individual honour.
“It does not depend on me, but on you. The work with Barcelona and the national team was incredible. I have a chance, I had a great year. But we will see,” he added.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.