Lamine Yamal Boosts Ballon d'Or Chances After World Cup Triumph

Lamine Yamal has strengthened his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or in 2026 after concluding his season by leading the Spanish national team to victory in the World Cup, continuing to write an extraordinary career at just nineteen years of age.

According to "Mundo Deportivo," Barcelona's star has become one of the top contenders for the most important individual award in football.

The newspaper reported that Yamal has become the third youngest player to win the World Cup with a significant role in the tournament, following the legendary Brazilian Pele and Italian Giuseppe Bergomi. His record also includes the title of the UEFA Euro 2024, where he was awarded the Best Young Player prize.

In terms of numbers, Yamal has played 33 international matches with the Spain national team, winning three La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey with Barcelona. He has also received the "Kopa" and "Golden Boy" awards, and was named the best player in La Liga this season after scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists. His total contributions with Barcelona stand at 49 goals and 44 assists in 151 matches.

Despite not arriving at the World Cup in peak physical condition due to recovering from a hamstring injury, he was one of the standout players in Spain's attack. He scored a goal against Saudi Arabia and won the penalty that opened the scoring against France in the semi-finals. He also finished second in successful dribbles during the tournament with 27, trailing only Lionel Messi.

According to "Mundo Deportivo," Yamal has a chance to become the youngest player in history to win the Ballon d'Or, having finished as runner-up in last year's voting behind Ousmane Dembélé. This year, he enters the race backed by titles from the World Cup and La Liga, statistically outperforming other players from the Spanish national team.

Yamal's market value has risen to €220 million following the World Cup, according to "Transfermarkt", making him the most expensive player in the world alongside Erling Haaland. He is currently enjoying his summer vacation before returning to continue his career with Barcelona.