Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘He has earned the right’ – Santi Cazorla on award winner

Former Arsenal player, Santi Cazorla has picked Barcelona winger, Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Cazorla insisted that the 19-year-old Spain international has earned the right to claim the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking to SPORT, Cazorla said, “I would give the Ballon d’Or to Lamine.

“He plays for our country, he is Spanish, and he has more than earned the right to win it.”

Yamal is among the top favourites to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after his impressive displays for both club and country.

He will face stiff competition from Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé for the award.