Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has insisted that he will not campaign or plead for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the decision ultimately rests with voters and fans.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash with Feyenoord, the teenage star said he has no intention of lobbying for the prestigious individual award.
“I don’t think I need to campaign for the Ballon d’Or. Everyone is entitled to think whatever they want,” Yamal said.
“I’m not here to campaign, and I’m not going to beg for anything. That’s your job. It’s not on me.”
Yamal also highlighted his pride in what he has achieved with both Barcelona and the Spanish national team over the past year. He believes any individual recognition would be a reflection of the collective success of his teams.
“Winning the Ballon d’Or does not depend on me,” he added. “The work we’ve done with Barça and the national team has been unbelievable. I’ll be grateful to my teammates at Barça and with the national team if I win it, of course.”
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
