2026 World Cup: Mikel Obi reveals player to win Golden Ball award

Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has picked Spain winger Lamine Yamal to take home the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This year’s tournament kicked off with co-hosts Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 on Thursday night.

The competition will run for over five weeks, before the champions are crowned on July 19.

Several top footballers are in the running for the prestigious Golden Ball award, given to the best player of the tournament.

Names like Lionel Messi (Argentina), Kylian Mbappe (France), Harry Kane (England), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), etc are seen as contenders.

“I have to go with Lamine Yamal,” Mikel Obi said.

“He’s just amazing. The way he plays, the confidence he plays with, everything he does is just superb. I think me and every football fan are looking forward to watching him again, and I think he will be great again.”