Former Real Madrid defender names surprise Spanish pick over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘All got their merits’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia believes Spain have several genuine contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but he would pick Fabian Ruiz ahead of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.

The award will be presented in London on October 26, with Yamal among the leading contenders after another outstanding campaign.

The Barcelona forward helped his club win La Liga and also lifted the World Cup with Spain.

Notably, he finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting behind Ousmane Dembele, having already won the Kopa Trophy in both 2024 and 2025.

Lamine Yamal has a strong Ballon d’Or case

Yamal’s numbers from the 2025-26 season give him a clear case for the award.

The teenager scored 24 goals and provided 17 assists in 45 appearances for Barcelona as the club won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

Lamine Yamal is a favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

In the league, he scored 16 goals and registered 11 assists, while also sharing the Zarra Trophy with teammate Ferran Torres.

In fact, Yamal scored, assisted or won a penalty in 20 of the 26 La Liga matches he started, showing how often he directly affected the outcome of games.

That puts him in contention alongside established stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane this year.

Fran Garcia names his Spanish pick

Garcia, who now plays for Real Betis, was asked about the Spanish contenders during an interview with El Larguero.

The former Real Madrid defender pointed to several players rather than focusing only on Yamal.

“If they have to give it to a Spanish player, they’re spoilt for choice.

Fran Garcia is backing Fabian Ruiz to win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)

“I’d pick someone from the national team. Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Lamine… They’ve all got their merits.”

Garcia was then asked to make a final choice. Despite Yamal’s statistics and Barcelona’s domestic success, he opted for Fabian Ruiz.

“For me, it’s Fabian.”

Yamal therefore enters the final stage of the Ballon d’Or race with a strong statistical record and major trophies behind him, but Garcia’s comments certainly highlight the competition within the Spanish team itself.

Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, and Yamal each have their own case, leaving the final decision to voters when the award is handed out in London.