“He has it all!” Barcelona captain names the undisputed Ballon d’Or winner

The Blaugrana’s Brazilian leader made an emotional and emphatic statement ahead of the climax of the voting for the world’s top individual award.

Details: Barcelona captain Raphinha has openly backed his attacking teammate Lamine Yamal in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. In an in-depth interview with The Guardian and La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazilian winger stressed that the 19-year-old Spaniard’s performances and achievements make him the leading and undisputed favorite for the prize.

“I have absolutely no doubts: Lamine must win the Ballon d’Or. The award depends on individual statistics, team trophies won, pure magic on the pitch, charisma and many other factors. Lamine has all of that. His numbers are incredible—not only from last season, but also at the start of the current one. Of the three trophies available last season, he won two with Barcelona and became a world champion with Spain. Even if I weren’t his teammate, I would still say the same thing,” Raphinha said.

It is worth noting that the poll of 100 international journalists, organized by France Football, closes on September 28. The winner will be officially announced and the Ballon d’Or gala ceremony will take place on October 26 in London.

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