Pedrerol puts forward Oyarzabal as his Ballon d’Or choice after Wembley winner

Josep Pedrerol has named Mikel Oyarzabal as his choice to win the Ballon d’Or, despite the Real Sociedad forward not appearing on the award’s official shortlist.

The El Chiringuito presenter made his view known in a post on X after Oyarzabal scored Spain’s decisive goal in their 3-2 victory over England at Wembley.

Pedrerol has previously praised the Basque player on several occasions, but his latest endorsement has attracted particular attention because of the wider debate over the leading candidates for the individual award.

Among the names commonly discussed are Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. Other players who impressed during the season, including Raphinha and Pedri, were also absent from the official list of nominees.

Oyarzabal began the match against England on the substitutes’ bench and was introduced by Spain manager in the 54th minute, with his side trailing 2-1.

His arrival helped change the course of the game. Alex Baena subsequently brought Spain level before Oyarzabal produced the decisive moment in the closing stages, converting the opportunity that completed his side’s comeback in front of the English crowd.

The goal placed Oyarzabal back in discussions about the season’s outstanding players, even though he is not among the players formally nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

Pedrerol went further than simply praising the match-winner, making clear that he believes Oyarzabal is the player who deserves to receive the award.