Samuel Eto’o backs Lamine Yamal for 2026 Ballon d’Or despite African football backlash

Samuel Eto’o has endorsed Lamine Yamal as his choice to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, prompting criticism from some African football supporters.

The president of the Cameroonian Football Federation and former FC Barcelona forward made his view known on social media last night. Eto’o posted an image of the 19-year-old Spain international alongside a message praising his ability and ambition.

“Ballon d’Or of our hearts. A genius, bold, talented… Good luck in this Ballon d’Or race. But whatever the verdict, one thing is already certain: just like Ousmane, you are already the Ballon d’Or of our hearts. Continue to make us dream,” Eto’o wrote, tagging Lamine Yamal and FC Barcelona.

Yamal is among the 30 nominees for the award and has a strong statistical case after the 2025-26 season. He made 57 appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 20 assists.

His honours during that campaign included a World Cup, the Spanish Championship and the Spanish Super Cup.

However, Eto’o’s backing of a Spanish player has not been universally welcomed. Several supporters questioned why a figure who says he represents African interests in football had not chosen an African nominee instead.

Those critics pointed to the history of the award, with George Weah remaining the only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or.

Hakimi and Mane among African nominees

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is one of the African players nominated for this year’s award. The 27-year-old PSG player made 49 appearances during the 2025-26 season, scoring four goals and supplying 17 assists. He also received six yellow cards and one red card.

Hakimi’s honours included the Champions League and the European Super Cup.

Senegal forward Sadio Mane is also on the nominee list. The 34-year-old Al-Nassr player featured in 55 matches, scoring 24 goals and making 13 assists. His disciplinary record included eight yellow cards and one red card.

Mane also helped win the Africa Cup of Nations.

Eto’o’s public choice has therefore become a source of debate, with fans weighing Yamal’s season against the achievements of the African players included among the 30 nominees.