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Joao Cancelo endorses Lamine Yamal for the 2026 Ballon d'Or

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 5:00 AM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Joao Cancelo endorses Lamine Yamal for the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Summary

Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo has publically backed teammate Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Cancelo argued that the 19-year-old is the best player in the world after contributing 24 goals and 18 assists during the 2025/26 campaign. Yamal helped Barcelona secure both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup titles while playing a key role in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup victory. The forward is one of 30 nominees currently under consideration for the award. Yamal finished second in the voting for the trophy last year behind Ousmane Dembele. Cancelo's endorsement follows similar praise for the winger from Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, executive Deco, and former Netherlands international Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Lamine Yamal recorded 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances this season.
•The 19-year-old won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona.
•Yamal was part of the Spain team that secured the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
•Joao Cancelo stated that Yamal is currently the best player in the world.
•Yamal finished second in Ballon d'Or voting last year.

Latest Updates

5:00 AMYahoo Sports — ‘It has to be Lamine’ - Cancelo backs Yamal for the Ballon d’Or
1:05 PMYahoo Sports — Joao Cancelo insists Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal must win the 2026 Ballon d’Or: ‘There is no other player’

What they're saying

"
Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or case has received another major endorsement, with Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo insisting there is only one player who deserves to win the prestigious award this year....
— Yahoo Sports