Troy Deeney picks Lamine Yamal for 2026 Ballon d’Or, names top five contenders
Watford legend Troy Deeney has told CBS Sports Golazo that Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or because he has "completed football." Deeney pointed out that the 19‑year‑old has already won both the Euros and the World Cup, achievements most players dream of over an entire career. He added that even if Yamal stopped playing today, his résumé would be enviable for 99.9 % of footballers. Alongside naming Yamal as the clear winner, Deeney listed his top five for the award: Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. He noted that the Champions League is the next major trophy for Yamal to chase.
This matters because it highlights an extraordinary young talent who has already reached heights many veterans never see, shifting the conversation about who deserves football’s top individual honor. For fans, especially those following African‑linked players like Olise, it offers a snapshot of the current elite and the qualities voters might weigh when the Ballon d’Or is decided. It also underscores how early success can reshape expectations for future generations.
Readers should know Yamal’s age and trophy haul, consider whether his early accomplishments merit the Ballon d’Or, and watch his Champions League campaign as the next test of his claim. Deeney’s ranking invites reflection on what "completed football" really means and how we judge greatness at different stages of a career.