Yamal Says Ballon d’Or Should Not Be Determined by Goals Alone

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has argued that the Ballon d’Or should not be determined solely by the number of goals a player scores, saying the award should also recognise players who bring excitement, creativity and joy to football fans.

Yamal made the comments in an interview with L’Équipe as he continues to compete for this year’s prestigious individual award.

The 19-year-old is among the leading contenders for the prize, alongside last year’s winner Ousmane Dembélé, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on October 26.

Yamal said the presence of several strong candidates has created more discussion around the award and allows football fans and journalists to have different opinions about who should win.

“It’s fun that there are more players up for the prize, more debate and people can have different opinions,” Yamal told L’Équipe.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to the journalists. It’s a difficult job for them. We all have good arguments to win it. We are all great players, so let’s see.”

The Barcelona youngster said the Ballon d’Or should recognise the player who makes the biggest impression on supporters rather than simply rewarding the highest goalscorer.

“The Ballon d’Or is for the best player of the year, someone different, someone we have enjoyed watching, who has that magic, makes you smile and look forward to watching games just to see them play,” he said.

“It’s not to do with the sheer number of goals. When I think of the Ballon d’Or, I think of [Lionel] Messi, Ronaldinho… different players, players that make you dream.”

Kane enjoyed a prolific campaign with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals as the German club won the Bundesliga. Mbappé, meanwhile, scored 42 goals for Real Madrid but ended the season without a major team trophy.

Yamal scored 24 goals during the campaign, while Dembélé scored 20 for Paris Saint-Germain, who won the European title.

Yamal also believes his individual style, performances for Barcelona and achievements with Spain strengthen his case for the award.

“On the pitch I enjoy myself,” he said. “I have also been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies with Barcelona.

“And I won the biggest trophy of them all, the World Cup with my national team. But beyond all that, I think the way I play is the strongest argument and what makes me different.”

Despite his young age, Yamal has already collected major honours with Spain, including the European Championship and the World Cup. The Champions League remains the major team trophy yet to be added to his collection.

The teenager admitted that winning the Ballon d’Or is one of his ambitions but insisted that the award does not dominate his thoughts.

“Yes, I dream of winning the Ballon d’Or,” Yamal said. “I always say that everyone has to aim as high as possible. If I was a waiter, I would want to own the restaurant.”

He added that his ultimate ambition is to leave a lasting legacy in football rather than constantly comparing himself with the game’s greatest players.

“I play to make history, so that in 30 years kids say: ‘He was really good.’ But it’s not an obsession. I never think ‘I want to be better than Pele or Messi.’ I don’t want to compare myself with others.

“I want to be Lamine Yamal. I want to be remembered as Lamine Yamal. I hope to be remembered among the greats. I have the capacity to do it; it depends on me.”

Díaz Backs Kane for Ballon d’Or

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich forward Luis Díaz has backed his teammate Harry Kane as his preferred candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Speaking to ESPN, Díaz said working alongside Kane in training had given him an even greater appreciation of the England captain’s mentality and quality.

“I already knew he scored loads of goals, but training with him every day, seeing his mentality, he has dazzled me even more,” Díaz said.

“It’s difficult to sum him up in one word. Brutal, maybe… magnificent. For me, it’s hard to find the perfect word to describe him.

“For me, he’s the No.1 candidate to win the Ballon d’Or. I hope he wins it.”

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