Ballon d’Or 2026: Lamine Yamal leads Mustapha El Haddaoui’s predictions as Achraf Hakimi targets top six

Former Morocco international Mustapha El Haddaoui expects Lamine Yamal to be the leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, although he would like to see Achraf Hakimi claim the prestigious individual award.

Speaking exclusively to Maghreb-Foot, El Haddaoui praised Hakimi’s consistency and continued presence among the nominees for football’s most prominent individual prize. He believes the Paris Saint-Germain right-back is currently the best player in the world in his position.

Hakimi, who captains the Lions de l’Atlas, has earned recognition for his performances at club and international level. El Haddaoui regards his repeated inclusion in the Ballon d’Or conversation as evidence of both his sustained form and outstanding ability.

However, the former Morocco midfielder believes the voting process can favour attacking players, particularly those who have won major honours. While he hopes Hakimi can go all the way, El Haddaoui expects his compatriot to finish inside the top six rather than take the award.

The Moroccan’s assessment places Yamal at the head of his own prediction. He has selected the young Spain international ahead of other leading global players who have impressed in recent seasons.

El Haddaoui’s choice is based on Yamal’s performances for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team. He also highlighted the teenager’s considerable influence on matches as a key reason for making him his principal favourite.

The former Lions de l’Atlas player brings considerable international experience to the debate, having won 90 caps for Morocco between 1983 and 1994.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on 26 October 2026, with Hakimi included among the leading contenders and Yamal identified by El Haddaoui as the player most likely to finish at the top.