De la Fuente backs Spanish Ballon d’Or winner and calls for 2030 World Cup final in Spain

Luis de la Fuente says either Rodri or Lamine Yamal would deserve to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, while insisting the 2030 World Cup final should be played in Spain.

Asked to choose between the two Spain internationals at a news conference, Spain manager De la Fuente said: “Both of them are Spanish and I would give the award to a Spanish player. I believe they have both done enough to win it and possess the talent required to receive this recognition.”

De la Fuente was also asked whether it would be unfair for the 2030 World Cup final not to be staged in Spain, and whether he was concerned about political interference in the decision.

“My opinion, and the part I can control, is that the final should be held in Spain for many reasons,” he said. “There is still a long time to go and I am certain FIFA will recognise the good things Spain offers in terms of infrastructure and stadiums. At the moment, I have no doubt that the final should be played in Spain.”

The Spain manager said his only concern following a World Cup triumph was ensuring his players remained fit and available.

“The only thing that worries me is the players’ health and whether we can count on them,” De la Fuente said. “Once the final had ended, within two or three minutes, one of the players came over to me and said: ‘What is left for us to win?’

“I replied: ‘The England match on 26 September.’”

De la Fuente added that winning the World Cup would not lessen the team’s desire to improve.

“This team does not stop,” he said. “Winning the World Cup is not enough for us and we have to be better. What we have achieved is not enough to win the next match.

“I have no doubt and no concern other than making sure everyone is ready and healthy.”

De la Fuente was also asked about the situation involving eight champion players who were unable to receive recognition because of Barcelona’s refusal.

The Spain manager said he was disappointed that the tribute had not taken place, although he believed the players continued to receive widespread appreciation.

“I feel sad because this kind of recognition does not happen often,” De la Fuente said. “But they celebrate a lot because they are appreciated wherever they go. If you are not honoured in your own home, you will be honoured somewhere else.”