With the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching in October, the race to be named the world’s best player over the past 12 months has intensified. Agent Jorge Mendes has firmly backed his client, Lamine Yamal, to claim the prestigious trophy. Speaking from Barcelona, Mendes insisted that the 19-year-old is the only candidate who truly deserves the honor, citing his exceptional achievements at both club and international levels. Mendes remarked that “no one can be compared” to the young talent, emphasizing that his performance levels this season set him apart from the rest of the field.
Yamal’s campaign has been defined by consistent excellence. After finishing as the runner-up to Ousmane Dembele in last year’s voting—despite securing LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—the teenager has elevated his game further. During the 2025-26 season, he tallied 24 goals and 17 assists in 45 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Barcelona’s LaLiga title victory. He also made a significant impact on the international stage, scoring a goal during Spain’s successful FIFA World Cup campaign this summer. Yamal is now aiming to become the youngest recipient of the Ballon d’Or in history.
However, the competition remains fierce, with other football figures offering different perspectives. Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos has publicly diverged from the consensus, naming Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his preferred choice. Kroos noted that while a win for the Georgian international might be considered unlikely, he believes Kvaratskhelia’s impact was superior to other top contenders who experienced inconsistent club seasons following the World Cup.
Kvaratskhelia enjoyed a highly decorated 2025-26 season, recording 20 goals and 12 assists across 55 appearances for PSG. His contributions were instrumental in the French club’s successful defense of their UEFA Champions League title, as well as their triumphs in Ligue 1, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Trophee des Champions. As the October deadline nears, the debate continues to center on whether voters will prioritize Yamal’s historic breakthrough or the trophy-laden consistency displayed by Kvaratskhelia throughout the year. The report also notes that and a number of players are in the running to win it, the award will be handed out in October to the best player over the last 12 calendar months.
Comments