Lamine Yamal has received a strong public endorsement in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta saying he would love to see the teenager win football’s most prestigious individual award.

Yamal is already on the official 30-player shortlist, putting him among the leading candidates for this year’s prize.

Laporta makes his choice clear

Speaking to reporters ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Feyenoord, Laporta openly backed his young star.

“I would love for Lamine to win the Ballon d’Or,” Laporta said.

“I would also be delighted if any player from Barça wins it.”

The Barcelona president went further in describing Yamal, saying: “Lamine is a very mature guy. A genius. He is extraordinary.”

Why Yamal is in the conversation

Yamal's nomination follows a standout 2025/26 campaign with Barcelona and Spain.

He was part of Barcelona's LaLiga-winning team and was also part of Spain's World Cup-winning side during the period covered by the award.

LaLiga named Yamal its Player of the Season for 2025/26. He recorded 16 goals and 12 assists in the league, further strengthening his case for individual recognition.

His inclusion on the official 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist confirms that he is among the players being considered for the award.

The race is not over

Laporta's endorsement is significant because of Yamal's importance to Barcelona, but it does not determine the Ballon d’Or winner.

The final award will be decided through the official voting process. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, 2026.

For now, Yamal has one of football's most influential club presidents publicly saying he deserves the biggest individual prize in the game.

Yamal has made the shortlist. Now the biggest question is whether he can turn a remarkable season into the Ballon d’Or itself.