Joao Felix backs Lamine Yamal to claim the Ballon d’Or ahead of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe | OneFootball

Joao Felix has backed Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, insisting the teenager is the player who best embodies football.

Felix spoke to AS about his career, his omission from this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, and the leading contenders for the prestigious individual prize.

The Portugal international played a key role as Al-Nassr reclaimed the Saudi Pro League title. He admitted he was not particularly concerned about missing the shortlist.

Felix has scored four goals and provided three assists in seven appearances this season.

He has found consistency in Saudi Arabia following unsuccessful spells with Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan.

However, when asked to name his Ballon d’Or favourite, Felix immediately singled out Yamal.

“I’ve always maintained that the Ballon d’Or is for that player you see and say, ‘This is a star and deserves to be remembered in football,'” Felix told AS.

“And if there’s one player who, when you turn on the TV, keeps you glued to the screen, it’s Lamine. It’s true that Mbappe and Harry Kane have had a great season, but Lamine is football.”

Felix also highlighted Yamal’s contribution to Spain’s World Cup triumph as a significant factor in the race.

“Besides, he won the World Cup, which in World Cup years is always very important to win to be closer to the Ballon d’Or,” he added.

Yamal is competing against some of the biggest names in world football, with Kane and Mbappe also producing outstanding campaigns.

The Barcelona forward has nevertheless attracted considerable support, including from Rodri, who is also among the contenders after winning the World Cup Golden Ball.

Rodri acknowledged that Barcelona believe Yamal deserves the award, saying (via COPE): “I understand that. Barcelona think Lamine deserves the Ballon d’Or and it’s absolutely OK.”

Rodri won the Golden Ball at the World Cup and the award usually legitimises a Ballon d’Or push, but the Catalan club has decided to support its academy prodigy.