Lamine Yamal has barely had time to enjoy one of the biggest seasons of his young career, yet the debate over whether he should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already reaching some of football’s biggest names. Now another heavyweight has made his choice, and there was no hesitation when Zlatan Ibrahimović was asked which player should walk away with the prize.
Ibrahimović picks Yamal again for the Ballon d’Or
Speaking to ESPN FC, Ibrahimović was asked in a rapid-fire exchange to name his winner for this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the Swedish legend quickly settling on Yamal.It was not the first time Ibrahimović had backed the Barcelona winger for the France Football award, having made the same choice during an episode of Cold as Balls with Kevin Hart last month.When Hart asked him which modern player he supported, Ibrahimović did not hesitate before naming Yamal.“If I have to choose. I would say Yamal. He is my guy today.”Ibrahimović’s latest endorsement comes after the voting period for the 2026 Ballon d’Or had already closed, with the winner scheduled to be announced on October 26 in London, United Kingdom.The former striker never won the award himself during his playing career, with his highest finish coming in 2013 when he placed fourth, before retiring from professional football in 2023.His repeated support for Yamal places him among a growing group of football figures who have publicly backed the teenager for the prestigious individual award.
Yamal says he will not campaign for the award
Yamal has acknowledged that he wants to win the Ballon d’Or this year, although the Barcelona star has repeatedly said that he does not intend to campaign for the prize himself.Instead, Yamal has argued that his performances during the season should determine whether he wins, rather than anything he says publicly about his own chances.“Firstly, it doesn’t depend on me [who wins the Ballon d’Or], it depends on you [the media]. This year has been incredible, with Barça and with Spain. There’s a chance I could win it because I have had a great year.”
Lamine Yamal struggle story (Imagn Images)
Yamal also made clear that he was proud of what he had achieved during the season and did not believe he needed to ask for votes.“I don’t think I need to run a campaign. I am proud of the year I had, winning the World Cup and LaLiga. I can’t ask for anything else. There are other players who have been at an incredible level. But it’s your job [to decide]; I am not going to beg for anything.”Yamal won the Supercopa de España and La Liga with Barcelona last season before helping Spain win the FIFA World Cup, although he scored only once during the tournament.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Barcelona have also openly backed his claim for the award, with club president Joan Laporta and vice-president Rafa Yuste among those who have publicly supported Yamal’s bid.
Yamal and Mbappé among the leading contenders
Yamal and Kylian Mbappé have been widely discussed as the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or, with both players having spoken about their respective claims to the award.Mbappé did not win major silverware with his club last season, but produced a standout individual campaign and also finished as the Golden Boot winner at the FIFA World Cup, edging past Lionel Messi in his final game.Yamal’s case is built more heavily around his team achievements, with the winger collecting the Supercopa de España and La Liga with Barcelona before winning the World Cup with Spain.Real Madrid’s Mbappé has also been vocal about his desire to win the award, with the forward even saying that he would dedicate the trophy to Africa if he were to claim it.Other players remain in contention, including Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Rodri, who has also been mentioned among the candidates despite Barcelona’s public support for Yamal.The list of Yamal’s public supporters has continued to grow, with Liverpool signing Victor Munoz among those to endorse his claim, while Atlético Madrid star and World Cup winner Alex Baena has also backed the Barcelona forward.
Ibrahimović is the latest big name to back Yamal
Ibrahimović’s support carries a particular connection because of his own history with Barcelona, where he played during the 2009–10 season, and because he has previously spoken openly about the qualities he sees in the younger generation of players.His endorsement of Yamal has now come twice, first during his conversation with Kevin Hart and again in the rapid-fire ESPN FC exchange, where he once again immediately selected the Barcelona teenager when asked for his Ballon d’Or winner.The final decision, however, will come from the journalists responsible for the Ballon d’Or voting, with the result due to be announced at the ceremony in London on October 26.