Rafael Leao has backed Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, praising the teenager’s footballing ability, personality and the quality of the team around him at the Spanish club.
The Portuguese international expressed his support for Yamal ahead of the announcement of this year’s award, with the Barcelona youngster among the leading candidates following an impressive season for club and country.
Speaking in comments highlighted by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Leao said: “I hope Yamal wins the Ballon d’Or and major titles with Barça.”
The forward continued by explaining his admiration for the Barcelona star, highlighting both his performances on the pitch and his qualities away from football.
“He is among the best in the world, and a person I truly admire as a player and as a person… He is surrounded by a group of good players at an exceptional club,” Leao added, referring to Barcelona.
Leao’s comments came after Barcelona recorded a 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the second round of the Champions League group stage on Tuesday.
Yamal contributed two assists during the match, taking his total goal contributions for Barcelona in the 2026-27 season to 17, comprising eight goals and nine assists.
His latest performance further underlined his importance to the Catalan side as he continues to attract attention ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Yamal’s performances strengthen his Ballon d’Or case
At 19, Yamal has established himself as one of the most prominent young players in world football and is among the nominees for this year’s individual award.
His performances during the 2025-26 campaign played a significant role in Barcelona’s success. The forward scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists for the club, while also making an important contribution to the Spanish national team.
Barcelona won both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during the season, with Yamal playing a key role in the club’s achievements.
His performances for Spain also added to his growing reputation, particularly following the national team’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup.
Those achievements have strengthened his position among the candidates for the Ballon d’Or, which recognises the outstanding individual player of the year.
Leao’s endorsement adds to the attention surrounding the Barcelona forward as the football world awaits the announcement of the winner.
The Portuguese attacker also expressed his hope that Yamal would add major trophies to his personal achievements with Barcelona, suggesting that the player’s continued success at club level would be a fitting reward for his performances.
Ballon d’Or winner to be announced in London
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or is scheduled to be announced at the annual France Football ceremony on 26 October in London, England.
Yamal faces competition from several established names in world football, including Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi.
Other nominees include Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Vinicius Junior, Bruno Fernandes, Achraf Hakimi, Declan Rice and Rodri.
Paris Saint-Germain are also represented by several players on the list, including Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz and Marquinhos.
With the ceremony approaching, Yamal’s performances for Barcelona and Spain have placed him firmly among the players attracting attention in the race for the prestigious award.
Leao has made his preference clear, backing the teenager to claim the prize and continue collecting major honours with Barcelona.
