Barcelona president backs Lamine Yamal to win Ballon d’Or after missing out to Harry Kane

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is convinced Lamine Yamal will eventually win the Ballon d’Or after the teenage sensation finished third in the 2026 voting, behind winner Harry Kane and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe.

Yamal, 18, missed out on the prestigious individual award despite claiming a third consecutive Kopa Trophy, which recognises the best player under the age of 21.

Kane secured the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career, while Mbappe finished second, leaving the Barcelona winger to settle for third place in the final standings.

However, Laporta believes the outcome will only strengthen Yamal’s determination to claim the award in the future, insisting the youngster has already demonstrated exceptional qualities at an age when most players are still establishing themselves in professional football.

“I’m convinced he’ll eventually win the Ballon d’Or, I don’t know when, but he deserves it.

“In my opinion, he deserved to win, but the voters decided this way. It was a sporting decision. Let this serve as motivation for him, because I’m sure it will. His teammates will help him get over the disappointment quickly.”

Laporta highlights Yamal’s remarkable rise

The Barcelona president also pointed to Yamal’s achievements since breaking into the first team at just 16, describing his development as extraordinary.

The teenager has established himself as one of Barcelona’s most influential players, attracting widespread attention for his technical ability, creativity and performances against top-level opposition.

His third consecutive Kopa Trophy further underlined his standing among the finest young footballers in the world, even though he was unable to translate that recognition into the senior Ballon d’Or.

For Laporta, Yamal’s age and continued development provide sufficient reason to believe he will eventually reach the pinnacle of individual football honours.

“He’s unique, as Lamine has been doing this since he was 16, which is truly remarkable. He deserves everything, and we’ll all help him to be even more motivated to win this award next year.”

Laporta’s comments also reflect Barcelona’s confidence in their young star, whose emergence has been a major boost for the Spanish club.

Rather than viewing the third-place finish as a setback, the president believes it can serve as an additional incentive for Yamal to improve and return stronger in the next awards cycle.

Ballon d’Or disappointment could fuel next challenge

Although Yamal missed out on the main prize, his continued recognition at the highest level highlights the progress he has made since his emergence at Barcelona.

Winning the Kopa Trophy for a third consecutive time reinforces his reputation as one of football’s outstanding young talents, while his third-place finish demonstrates that he is already competing with established stars for the sport’s most prestigious individual honour.

Kane’s triumph and Mbappe’s second-place finish denied Yamal the opportunity to become the latest Barcelona player to claim the award.

However, Laporta remains confident that the teenager will eventually have his moment, with the club president stressing the importance of support from his teammates as he processes the result.

For Barcelona, the immediate priority will be helping Yamal maintain his focus and continue developing his game.

With the winger already making a significant impact at 18, Laporta believes the experience of missing out could provide the motivation needed to mount another challenge for the Ballon d’Or next year.