Lamine Yamal Ballon d’Or hopes gain support as Barcelona president Joan Laporta calls the teenage star a genius and backs him for the 2026 award

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has backed teenage forward Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, describing the Barcelona star as a “genius” ahead of the club’s Champions League meeting with Feyenoord.

Also read: Mbappe Picks Champions League Over Ballon d’Or

Laporta made the comments while speaking to reporters before Barcelona’s opening Champions League fixture, shortly after Yamal was included among the 30 nominees for this year’s prestigious individual award.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most influential young players in world football, with his performances for both Barcelona and Spain strengthening his case for the prize.

“I would love for Lamine to win the Ballon d’Or,” Laporta said.

“I would also be delighted if any player from Barça wins it. Lamine is a very mature guy. A genius. He is extraordinary.”

Yamal’s nomination comes after a highly successful period in which the Spain international helped Barcelona secure the LaLiga title and played a key role in Spain’s World Cup triumph.

His progress has been particularly striking given his age. Yamal has developed from a promising academy graduate into one of Barcelona’s leading attacking players, earning recognition for his creativity, composure and ability to influence matches against elite opposition.

The Ballon d’Or shortlist includes some of the biggest names in world football, making the competition for the award particularly strong.

Yamal’s inclusion nevertheless represents another significant milestone in a career that has developed at remarkable speed.

Laporta’s endorsement also reflects Barcelona’s confidence in the young forward. The president has repeatedly praised Yamal’s qualities and his importance to the club’s sporting ambitions.

For Yamal, winning the Ballon preference clear. The Barcelona president believes the club’s young star has the talent, maturity and extraordinary ability required to stand d’Or would represent an extraordinary achievement at 19 and further cement his status among the game’s elite.

The final decision, however, will rest with the Ballon d’Or voting process, with Yamal competing against other leading performers for the prestigious honour.

Also read: Mbappe Picks Champions League Over Ballon d’Or

For now, Laporta has made his preference clear. The Barcelona president believes the club’s young star has the talent, maturity and extraordinary ability required to stand above the competition.