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Fran Garcia selects Fabian Ruiz over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 6:20 AM

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Fran Garcia selects Fabian Ruiz over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or

Summary

Fran Garcia, a former Real Madrid defender now with Real Betis, expressed his preference for Fabian Ruiz as Spain's candidate for the 2026 Ballon d'Or over Lamine Yamal. Despite Yamal's impressive season statistics with Barcelona, where he scored 24 goals and provided 17 assists, Garcia noted the strength of multiple Spanish contenders, including Rodri. The Ballon d'Or will be awarded in London on October 26. Yamal, who helped Spain secure the World Cup title and Barcelona win La Liga, remains a strong candidate for the prestigious award.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Fran Garcia favors Fabian Ruiz for 2026 Ballon d'Or
•Lamine Yamal scored 24 goals for Barcelona last season
•Ballon d'Or ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London
•Yamal contributed to Spain's World Cup victory
•Multiple Spanish players are contenders for the award

Latest Updates

6:20 AMYahoo Sports — Former Real Madrid defender names surprise Spanish pick over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘All got their merits’

What they're saying

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Former Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia believes Spain have several genuine contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but he would pick Fabian Ruiz ahead of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.The award will be ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Barcelona Real Madrid Atletico Madrid LaLiga Soccer