Lamine Yamal has received a major endorsement in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with renowned football agent Jorge Mendes declaring the Barcelona winger the only player deserving of the prestigious individual award.
Mendes, who previously represented Cristiano Ronaldo, believes Yamal's outstanding performances for both club and country have placed him in a class of his own and made him the clear favourite for the honour.
Speaking about the 2026 award, Mendes described the Spain international as a footballing “genius” and insisted that no other player can be compared with him after his impressive season.
“The Ballon d’Or is for a genius, and Lamine Yamal is the only one who can win it this year. He’s a genius, no one can compare after this season,” Mendes said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
The agent further argued that Yamal's achievements with Spain and Barcelona make his case particularly compelling.
“It’s more than fair to consider him the one to win the Ballon d’Or 2026 after winning the World Cup, La Liga and having a great season with Barcelona, one more time. He deserves it.”
World Cup Triumph Strengthens Yamal’s Case
Yamal's claim to the award has been strengthened by his success on the international stage, having helped Spain win the FIFA World Cup.
At club level, the teenage winger also played a key role as Barcelona secured the LaLiga title, adding another major honour to his growing list of achievements.
His combination of individual brilliance, consistency and success with both club and country has increasingly placed him among the leading candidates for football's most coveted individual prize.
Yamal's rise has been particularly remarkable given his age. Despite being one of the youngest stars in elite football, he has already established himself as an influential player for Barcelona and Spain.
Narrowly Missed Out in 2025
The Barcelona winger was already close to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2025, finishing second in the final voting behind Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé.
That result placed Yamal firmly among the world's elite and raised expectations that he could eventually claim the award.
Mendes' latest comments will add further weight to those expectations, particularly following Yamal's continued success with Spain and Barcelona.
While the Ballon d’Or race is expected to feature several world-class contenders, Mendes believes the debate should be straightforward.
For the veteran agent, Yamal's combination of trophies and individual performances makes him the standout candidate — and, in his view, the only player who truly deserves the 2026 crown.