Barcelona superstar in contention to win the Ballon d’Or but he has a tough challenger | OneFootball

Following Spain’s imperious performances at the World Cup and their eventual triumph, it is likely that a Spanish player may end up winning the Ballon d’Or this year.

Shortly after Spain’s win, a report highlighted Pau Cubarsi’s case for the coveted prize given his outstanding performances at the back, which eclipsed Fabio Cannavaro’s displays in 2006.

However, in reality, only two players have emerged as the main contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or, as far as Spain players are concerned.

Yamal and Rodri favourites for the Ballon d’Or

According to AS, Lamine Yamal and Rodri are the two Spaniards firmly in the race for the golden trophy, with the immense weight of a World Cup triumph behind them both.

Rodri and Yamal were crucial to Spain’s success. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Interestingly, it was Rodri himself who tipped Lamine for the award back in 2024, declaring as he collected his own Ballon d’Or that the Barcelona teenager would win it “very soon” if he kept working hard. Two years on, the pair now find themselves as direct rivals for the prize.

Lamine enjoyed a stunning club campaign, scoring 24 goals and providing 18 assists as Barcelona lifted LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup.

At the World Cup, he was a key factor rather than the main protagonist, scoring Spain’s first goal of the tournament against Saudi Arabia and finishing as the competition’s standout dribbler with 45, nearly double Lionel Messi’s tally.

He also won the crucial penalty against France and showed impressive maturity throughout.

A tough challenge from Rodri

Yamal has once again emerged as a Ballon d’Or candidate. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The obstacle for Lamine is Rodri, who produced arguably the finest individual tournament of any player and was named MVP of the World Cup.

The Manchester City man led the numbers for touches, successful passes and time spent in the opposition half, while anchoring the best defence in World Cup history, with Spain conceding just one goal en route to the title.

Beyond the two Spaniards, there are other contenders too. Harry Kane and Mbappe boast their goalscoring exploits, Michael Olise his creativity, and Ousmane Dembele his Champions League success.

Messi, meanwhile, impressed with eight goals and four assists before fading in the final. For now, though, Rodri and Lamine lead the charge.