Adeyemi Backs Lamine Yamal to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Barcelona winger Karim Adeyemi has backed his new teammate, Lamine Yamal, to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, describing the teenage forward as a “clear candidate” for the prestigious individual award.

Yamal is among the 30 players shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d’Or after an outstanding campaign for both club and country.

The 19-year-old helped Spain win the FIFA World Cup before adding the LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona.

Adeyemi believes Yamal’s achievements make him a deserving contender for the award and said he would not be surprised to see his teammate claim the prize.

“Lamine Yamal is a clear candidate to win the Ballon d’Or and it would be well deserved,” Adeyemi said.

Yamal has also carried his impressive form into the new season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists for Barcelona.

His performances have contributed to Barcelona’s strong start under manager Hansi Flick, with the Catalan club currently sitting at the top of the LaLiga table.

The Ballon d’Or winner will be determined from the final 30-player shortlist, with Yamal now receiving public backing from his new Barcelona teammate as the award race gathers attention.