Samuel Eto’o backs Lamine Yamal to win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o has backed Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Yamal is among 30 players nominated for the prestigious individual award after another impressive season with Barcelona and Spain.

The 19-year-old is hoping to go one better this year after finishing runner-up to France and Paris St-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele in the previous edition.

Eto’o, a former Barcelona striker, expressed his support for Yamal in a post on Instagram, describing the Spain international as a “genius” and “talented”.

“Ballon d’Or of our hearts. Genius, bold, talented. Best of luck in this Ballon d’Or race,” Eto’o wrote.

“Whatever the verdict is, one thing is certain, just like Ousmane, you are already the Ballon d’Or of our hearts. Keep making us dream.”

Yamal will face competition from 29 other nominees for the award, which recognises the outstanding men’s footballer of the year.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on 26 October.