Barcelona superstar emerges as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal has strengthened his case for the Ballon d’Or after completing a remarkable season by helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup.

According to AS, the FC Barcelona winger is now firmly among the leading candidates for the award, alongside World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri. The importance of winning football’s biggest international competition could carry significant weight when the final votes are cast.

Unlike Rodri, whose strongest argument comes from his extraordinary World Cup, Lamine had already established himself as a serious contender through his performances for Barcelona.

The 19-year-old finished the club season with 24 goals and 18 assists, playing a major role as Barca won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. He also produced important moments in the Champions League, even though Hansi Flick’s side ultimately fell short in Europe.

His World Cup was different. Lamine was not Spain’s outstanding individual performer, but he remained an important part of the team that lifted the trophy.

After returning from an injury layoff before the tournament, the Barca star gradually found his rhythm and finished as the competition’s leading dribbler with 45 completed take-ons, comfortably ahead of Lionel Messi’s 25.

He also scored Spain’s first goal of the tournament and won the penalty that helped his country overcome France in the semi-final.

A complete year for Barcelona’s teenage superstar

Perhaps the most impressive part of Lamine’s World Cup was the maturity he showed.

There were matches when Spain did not need him to dominate every attacking possession. Rather than forcing the issue, he adapted, worked for the team and contributed to a side built on collective control.

That development should excite Barcelona as much as his spectacular numbers.

Lamine now has the combination that defines many Ballon d’Or campaigns: elite individual production, major club trophies and, above all, a World Cup winner’s medal.

Competition remains fierce, with Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele all mentioned among the contenders.

However, at just 19, Lamine is no longer viewed simply as a future Ballon d’Or winner. After another exceptional season with Barca and adding the biggest international trophy of all to his collection, he has a genuine chance of winning it now.