Luis de la Fuente backs Lamine Yamal for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has thrown his support behind Lamine Yamal for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting the Barcelona winger was his team’s most influential player at the World Cup despite criticism of his tournament output.

Yamal has emerged as one of football’s brightest young talents, regularly starring for both club and country. His performances have placed him among the leading contenders for the prestigious individual award, which will be presented in London on October 26.

De la Fuente dismissed suggestions that Yamal underperformed on the biggest stage. “Many will say that he did nothing at the World Cup, but if you really watched the matches, you know that he was our most important player. I believe Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or this year,” the Spain boss said.

The coach’s comments underline his confidence in the teenager’s ability to shape games, even when statistics do not fully reflect his impact. Yamal’s creativity, decision-making and composure under pressure have made him indispensable for La Roja.

With the ceremony approaching, de la Fuente’s public endorsement adds weight to Yamal’s candidacy. Whether the Barcelona star can convert that backing into football’s highest individual honour remains to be seen.