Joao Felix picks Lamine Yamal to win 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Kane, Mbappe
Joao Felix, the Al Nassr forward, told AS that Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that Yamal’s World Cup triumph with Spain gives him an edge over Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Felix said he believes the award should go to the player you see and think: this is a star whose name belongs in football history. He added that, while Mbappe and Kane had strong seasons, watching Yamal makes you stay glued to the screen, and winning the World Cup in such a year is extremely important for Ballon d’Or consideration.
The comment highlights how international success is being weighed in the race for football’s top individual prize. For Nigerian fans following global awards, it signals that a World Cup win could tip the balance even when club performances are comparable. It also underscores the rising attention on Yamal, who broke into Barcelona’s first team at 16 and helped Spain clinch the 2026 World Cup.
Felix’s view invites readers to consider what should matter most in Ballon d’Or voting: individual club brilliance, consistent seasonal performance, or impact on the world stage. Do you think winning the World Cup should outweigh strong league numbers, or should the award reward the player who dominates week in, week out?