Ballon d’Or: ‘He’s outstanding’ – Spain coach De la Fuente picks player who should win 2026 award

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has picked the player who should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or will be announced in October in London.

A 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or was announced on Tuesday.

However, De la Fuente believes Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or because he is an outstanding player.

“I think Lamine Yamal could win the Ballon d’Or because he is Spanish and an outstanding footballer,” De la Fuente said, as quoted by Barca Blaugranes.

“If not this year, then in the future; I don’t think it will take him too long to win it. He is looking very good at the start of this season, and we want to enjoy watching him for many years to come.”