Ballon d’Or 2026 – João Félix, alongside Ronaldo, selects Lamine Yamal

As the debate over the future Ballon d’Or 2026 rages, João Félix, forward of Al‑Nassr, told the AS that he supports Lamine Yamal. Since the summer of 2025, the Portuguese has been playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, which reinforces his point of view.

Yamal's exploits

Lamine Yamal, young Spanish right winger, shone in 2026 by winning the World Cup with the Roja, the double Liga‑Copa del Rey with FC Barcelona and the title of best player of the Spanish league.

Félix explained why he considers Yamal the most deserving.

« I have always defended the idea that the Ballon d’Or should go back to that player you watch and think: ‘He’s a star and he deserves to stay in football history.’ And if there is a player who leaves you glued to the television, it’s Lamine. It’s true that Mbappé and Harry Kane have had a great season, but Lamine, that’s football. Moreover, he won the World Cup »

He added that, despite the performances of Mbappé and Harry Kane, Yamal embodies football at its peak.

Yamal leads the debate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, backed by Mbappé

João Félix, former SL Benfica player, joined Al‑Nassr in the summer of 2025, where he shares the dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo. Their daily life together enhances the visibility of the young talent.

For the Ballon d’Or, Félix believes the trophy should reward the player who has made the biggest impact on the season, and he sees Yamal as the top candidate.

This stance fuels the already heated debate among observers, who scrutinize the performances of Mbappé, Harry Kane and other contenders.

Nico Williams backs Lamine Yamal as Ballon d’Or must‑see

As the journalists' vote is being prepared, the support of a Ronaldo teammate could influence the deliberations in favor of the Spanish prodigy.