Barcelona preparing major Lamine Yamal campaign ahead of Ballon d’Or vote | OneFootball

Barcelona are increasingly uniting behind 19-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

What initially looked like individual expressions of support is now developing into a much broader campaign involving Barcelona figures.

According to El Chiringuito TV journalist Jose Alvarez, the Catalan club will push the teenager’s case for the coveted award.

He added that in the coming days, there will be major support flowing in from figures associated with the club.

Barcelona unite behind Lamine

Joan Laporta has made his preference clear: “I would love if Lamine wins the Ballon d’Or. I think he deserves it.”

Eric Garcia went even further in backing Barcelona’s players, saying: “The Ballon d’Or podium should consist of Barcelona players. I think Lamine should win it.”

Eric Garcia pushes the case for Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who has hardly been at the club for a few weeks was equally emphatic: “Lamine Yamal must win the Ballon d’Or.”

Lamine’s agent Jorge Mendes has also joined the campaign, declaring: “The Ballon d’Or is for Lamine Yamal.”

Rodri, meanwhile, defended Barca’s position without making quite the same personal declaration: “The club says Lamine is the most deserving of the award, and that’s completely legitimate.”

The ex-Manchester City midfielder is also in the running to win the award for a second time and he stopped short of naming Lamine a favourite for it.

The campaign is becoming impossible to miss

These comments follow public backing from Hansi Flick and vice-president Rafa Yuste, meaning support for Lamine is now coming from virtually every level around Barcelona.

It might not be long before former figures who played for the club and have a good relationship right now speak in support of the teenager.

That matters because Real Madrid are unlikely to remain quiet about Kylian Mbappe either. Madrid have historically understood how important institutional support can be when one of their superstars is competing for the Ballon d’Or.

They have already done it once for Cristiano Ronaldo to help him pip Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery to the award.

Barca are going all out to push Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona should therefore be doing exactly the same. Modern football has become as much about PR as it has about the sport and Barca need to do what they can for Lamine.

Lamine himself has already said he believes he deserves to win based on what he has achieved, while identifying himself and Mbappe as the two best players in the world.

There is no reason for Barcelona to be more cautious than their player. At just 19, Lamine is already carrying responsibilities normally reserved for established superstars.

The votes will ultimately decide the winner but one thing is clear. Barcelona are fully behind Lamine and their Ballon d’Or campaign is only getting louder.