Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has said he has no intention of campaigning or pleading for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash with Feyenoord, the teenage star said voters and fans are free to form their own opinions, stressing that individual awards are beyond his control.
“I don’t think I need to campaign for the Ballon d’Or. Everyone is entitled to think whatever they want,” Yamal said.
“I’m not here to campaign, and I’m not going to beg for anything. That’s your job. It’s not on me.”
Yamal also expressed satisfaction with his performances for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team over the past year, saying any individual recognition would be a reflection of the teams’ collective achievements.
“Winning the Ballon d’Or does not depend on me,” he said. “The work we’ve done with Barça and the national team has been unbelievable. I’ll be grateful to my teammates at Barça and with the national team if I win it, of course.”
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
