De la Fuente Backs Lamine Yamal to Win Ballon d’Or Soon
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has backed a homegrown winner for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has the quality to take the game’s leading individual prize either this year or in the near future.
The 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist was published earlier this week, ahead of the ceremony in London on October 26. De la Fuente addressed the award while presenting Spain’s UEFA Nations League meeting with the Czech Republic, scheduled for October 3 at Oviedo’s Estadio Carlos Tartiere.
Yamal has begun the new season strongly and De la Fuente believes the Spain international has all the necessary attributes to become a Ballon d’Or winner. The coach said the teenager’s ability, combined with his current form, made him confident that recognition would arrive before long if it does not come this year.
Oyarzabal omission questioned
De la Fuente also expressed surprise that Mikel Oyarzabal was not included among the 30 nominees. The Spain manager said he would always support “Brand Spain”, pointing to the country’s standard of player development, performance and talent.
He joked that the person compiling the final list must have misplaced Oyarzabal’s name, insisting that the forward should have been among the candidates.
The Ballon d’Or discussion comes as Spain prepare for a demanding opening sequence in the Nations League. La Roja begin away to England on September 26, then host Croatia on September 29 before completing the three-match run against the Czech Republic in Oviedo.
The schedule will allow De la Fuente to continue refining his side while introducing the next generation gradually. He was asked about younger prospects including Carlos Espi and Xavi Espart, and said they would have opportunities in time, though he stressed that there was no need to force the process.
De la Fuente said the current group deserved respect after its achievements in recent years, having won every major honour available to them.
Respect for Llorente’s international retirement
The coach also responded to Llorente’s decision to step away from international football after Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph. De la Fuente said the midfielder contacted him before making the announcement and that he held “absolute respect and gratitude” for the player.
He added that the pair retain an excellent relationship. Spain’s Nations League fixtures will now combine immediate competitive demands with the longer-term task of managing a squad transition, while Yamal and other leading figures head towards the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
