Morata Names Lamine Yamal Among 2026 Ballon d’Or Favourites
Álvaro Morata has placed Lamine Yamal among the leading candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, praising the Barcelona winger’s preparation, intelligence and extraordinary impact for Spain from an exceptionally young age.
Key takeaways
- Morata named Yamal alongside Rodri, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kylian Mbappé when discussing the Ballon d’Or race.
- The Leganés forward said Yamal’s work away from the pitch is underestimated.
- Yamal and Morata have appeared together in 15 Spain matches since September 2023.
- The 18-year-old is on the 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London.
- Yamal has won eight major trophies, including Barcelona’s 2024-25 domestic treble.
Morata highlights Yamal’s unseen work
Morata, now beginning a new spell with Segunda División side Leganés, believes Spanish football has a strong case for receiving the game’s foremost individual honour. The Madrid-born striker put Yamal in a group of elite contenders that also includes Rodri, Kvaratskhelia and Mbappé.
The former Spain captain focused particularly on the teenager’s attitude and analysis of the game. Morata said Yamal is “much smarter and far more hard-working than many people think,” referring to the way the forward studies opponents and prepares for matches.
He also recalled the impression Yamal made during his early rise at international level, describing what he had witnessed as remarkable. Morata pointed to the winger’s influence in European football while still only 16.
The pair first featured together in Spain’s commanding win in Georgia in September 2023. Yamal scored on his senior international debut that day, while Morata registered a hat-trick. Since then, they have shared the field 15 times for La Roja.
Club and international record strengthens Yamal’s case
Yamal’s honours collection stands at eight major trophies. Barcelona’s domestic treble in 2024-25 formed a significant part of that total, while his international achievements have added further weight to his individual credentials.
After helping Spain win Euro 2024 and the Nations League, Yamal was also part of the squad that lifted the 2026 World Cup. He is the youngest player ever to have won both the European Championship and the World Cup.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in London on October 26. Yamal’s place among the 30 nominees leaves him firmly in contention, with Barcelona’s domestic programme and European campaign still offering opportunities to strengthen his case before the final result is revealed.
