Raphinha backs Lamine Yamal for 2026 Ballon d’Or, cites stats, trophies, and magic

Barcelona captain Raphinha has thrown his support behind teammate Lamine Yamal for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the young winger has the individual stats, team honours, and on‑pitch magic needed to win football’s top prize. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Raphinha said the award comes down to statistics, trophies and the charisma a player shows on the field, and he believes Yamal possesses all three.

Yamal, who made the final 30‑man shortlist while Raphinha was left out, is among the contenders whose votes will be submitted by around 100 international journalists before the September 28 deadline. The Barcelona star highlighted Yamal’s contributions to the team’s silverware this season and his ability to change games with flair and creativity.

For Nigerian football fans watching a teenager from Spain’s La Liga dominate the conversation, the question is whether Yamal’s blend of youth, talent and recent success is enough to sway voters away from more established names. If you were casting a ballot, would his stats, trophies and on‑pitch impact convince you that he deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/22/2026-ballon-dor-raphinha-lists-three-reasons-yamal-should-win-award/