João Cancelo has thrown his full support behind Lamine Yamal in the increasingly intense race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting that the Barcelona winger should be the clear winner of the prestigious individual award.
Despite the growing attention surrounding his credentials, Softfootball understands that Yamal has refused to campaign for himself or try to convince people that he deserves the award, choosing instead to let his performances on the pitch speak for themselves. The teenager remains focused on maintaining his high level rather than becoming involved in the public debate over who should win.
Cancelo spoke highly of the 19-year-old’s remarkable development and the extraordinary season he has produced for both club and country.
Cancelo pointed to Yamal’s achievements across the campaign, including his contributions to Barcelona’s trophy-winning season and his performances with Spain. Yamal’s success on the international stage, alongside his impressive displays for Barcelona, has strengthened his credentials as one of the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or.
Cancelo went even further by claiming that there is currently no realistic alternative to Yamal for the award. According to the experienced full-back, Yamal is not only the best young talent in world football but also the best player in the world right now.
Yamal’s rapid rise has been extraordinary. At just 19, the winger has already become one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players and a central figure for Spain. His combination of creativity, goals, assists and ability to influence major matches has made him a standout candidate for individual recognition.
The Ballon d’Or debate has intensified ahead of the October announcement, with several elite players also featuring prominently among the leading contenders. However, Cancelo believes Yamal stands above the competition after everything he has accomplished during the campaign.
The endorsement is particularly significant given Cancelo’s previous experience alongside Yamal at Barcelona. Having witnessed the teenager’s development first-hand, the Portuguese defender appears convinced that Yamal has done enough to claim football’s most coveted individual prize.
With the final decision approaching, Yamal now has another high-profile voice firmly in his corner.
