2026 Ballon d’Or: I told him he’s next – Yamal picks player to win award

Barcelona winger, Lamine Yamal, has claimed he does not mind team mate Pau Cubarsi winning the Ballon d’Or.

Yamal was speaking in an interview with Teledeporte.

The two Spaniards have made the cut for the final 30-man nominees for this year’s award.

Cubarsi is however also in the running for the Kopa Trophy, which will be handed to the best young player in the world.

Yamal said: “Last year, for me, Cubarsi was the best young player in the world.

“Either the Kopa award or the Ballon d’Or should go to him. There’s no difference between us.

“When I won it, I told him that he would be next. If he doesn’t win it for whatever reason, I will give it to him.”