Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or

One of soccer’s most prestigious individual awards, the Ballon d’Or, recognizes the game’s top footballers each year. 

The term “Ballon d’Or” means “golden ball” in French. First awarded in 1956, the Ballon d’Or is presented by the French magazine France Football. From 2010 to 2015, the award merged with FIFA’s World Player of the Year award in a three-part electoral college; journalists, national team captains, and coaches had votes. Since 2016, the Ballon d’Or has returned to an exclusive, journalist-based voting system. A shortlist of 30 nominees is evaluated based on individual performances, team achievements, and sportsmanship. This year, the award takes place on October 26th, 2026, at the London Palladium Theatre in London, England.

Leading contenders include Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid FC, Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona, Michael Olise of Bayern Munich, and Harry Kane of Bayern Munich, each with a distinct playing style. 

Mbappé is known for his speed, finishing ability, and ability to create scoring opportunities. His quick movements and ability to change his shooting angle make him difficult for goalkeepers to anticipate. 

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is a left-footed right winger known for his dribbling and ability to cut inside and curl shots toward goal. 

Olise plays, like Yamal, on the right wing, using his passing, close control, and creativity to create opportunities. 

“Harry Kane should win it. He scored over 70 goals and won multiple trophies. It was a pretty average year, and no one else stood out.” 

Dylan Corbett ’30

Finally, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane also enters the discussion following a prolific scoring season.

Haverford students and faculty also have differing opinions on who deserves this year’s award. 

“It could probably be [Lamine] Yamal; however, Raphinha [Dias Belloli of FC Barcelona] should be getting some votes…They will probably give it to the young gun [Lamine Yamal],” history teacher Mr. LaJuan Foust said.

Some disagree.

“Harry Kane should win it,” Third Former Dylan Corbett said. “He scored over 70 goals and won multiple trophies. It was a pretty average year, and no one else stood out.” 

Combined with his World Cup victory and domestic achievements, Yamal’s individual performances make a compelling case for him to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or. After helping Spain defeat Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, he is now a co-captain of FC Barcelona at the young age of 19. His quick footwork, field vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities make him one of the strongest candidates for the award. He also won LaLiga’s Most Valuable Player award for the 2025-2026 season, and both the league title and the Spanish Super Cup. 

On top of that, Yamal also finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé. Combined with his World Cup victory and domestic achievements, Yamal’s individual performances make a compelling case for him to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.