Eric Garcia backs Lamine Yamal for 2026 Ballon d’Or and questions Pedri, Raphinha omissions

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia says Lamine Yamal should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while describing the absence of team-mates Pedri and Raphinha from the top three as “very strange”.

Garcia told Cadena SER that he believed all three places on the podium should go to Barcelona players, with Yamal his clear choice for the award.

“For me, the podium should be made up of three Barcelona players. Lamine should win,” Garcia said. “I find it very strange that Pedri and Raphinha are not among the top three.”

Asked to rank the players, Garcia placed Yamal first, followed by Pedri and then Raphinha.

The defender also discussed his progress under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, crediting the German with helping him regain confidence and giving him more opportunities to play.

“I did not get much playing time in the first year, but he gave me confidence,” Garcia said. “Against Benfica, I came on and scored, then there were some injuries and I returned to the team. He gave me incredible confidence.”

Garcia has traditionally played as a centre-back but has also featured at right-back. He said his season-long loan at Girona had helped him become comfortable in that position.

“I have always played as a centre-back, but I feel comfortable at right-back because of the year I spent on loan at Girona,” he said. “I like playing there.”

Barcelona have come close to success over the past two years but have been unable to complete the job, according to Garcia. He believes the squad now has the quality to make the Champions League a primary target.

“We were close during the past two years, but we were missing some details,” he said. “We have a complete, high-quality team, and the Champions League should be a target for us.”

Garcia also praised Barcelona’s new signings and the standard of training under Flick. He said the incoming players could make a significant contribution because of their experience and ability.

The Spain defender additionally referred to Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid, saying: “There is always a desire to play, and Mourinho adds a special touch.”

Garcia has started all four of Barcelona’s matches this season, operating at right-back despite also being capable of playing at centre-back and in midfield.