Laporta backs Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘I really hope he wins’ | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has thrown his full support behind Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or bid, insisting the teenage forward fully deserves his place among the 30 nominees and admitting he would be delighted to see the award go to the club’s young star.

Yamal has been nominated for the prestigious prize for the third time after another outstanding campaign. 

The Barcelona winger registered 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances during the 2025/26 season, helping the Catalan club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

His influence then extended to the international stage, where he played an important role in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph during the summer.

Laporta praises Barcelona’s teenage star

Yamal’s latest nomination comes after he finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting behind Ousmane Dembele. 

Now, Laporta believes the 2026 shortlist reflects the level the youngster has already reached.

Laporta has backed Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Speaking during a public appearance, as relayed by Jijantes, the Barcelona president began by highlighting both Yamal’s personality and footballing ability.

“He’s a very mature young man and a brilliant player. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a genius. His comments are exceptional, too.

“I think you’re all enjoying him immensely, and you should enjoy him even more, because Lamine is a versatile player who’s very comfortable in situations like this.

“I think he fully deserves to be nominated, and to be honest, I’d be absolutely delighted if he won it,” said the club president.

Barcelona president backs Yamal

Laporta also made clear that his support is not simply based on club loyalty. 

He pointed to Yamal’s status among the leading candidates while expressing his broader wish for a Barcelona player to win the award.

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

“As I’ve told you, I’d be delighted if any Barcelona player – man or woman – won the Ballon d’Or, but especially Lamine, because he’s a nominee and one of the leading contenders.”

Yamal’s numbers provide a strong foundation for that claim. 

His 42 goal contributions for Barcelona were followed by his contribution to Spain’s World Cup success, giving him a compelling case after a season in which he continued to develop into one of the most influential young players in world football.

Laporta ended his backing with an unambiguous message about the result he wants when the award is decided.

“I really hope Lamine wins the Ballon d’Or.”