Reo-Coker Names Lamine Yamal as His 2026 Ballon d’Or Favourite

Former Aston Villa and West Ham United midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has backed Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Reo-Coker also named his preferred top five candidates for the prestigious individual football award, placing Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane second and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé third.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Reo-Coker ranked Michael Olise fifth, praising the Bayern Munich winger’s quality, while placing England midfielder Jude Bellingham fourth.

“Michael Olise, fantastic player, Jude Bellingham, I think for me he is the heartbeat of England,” he said.

Reo-Coker placed Mbappé in third position, citing the French forward’s individual performances and goalscoring record.

“Kylian Mbappe has to get mentioned, you talk about more so from an individual perspective. The accolades for what he does. He does his job. He is a striker; he scores goals. He is doing his job,” he said.

Kane occupied second place on Reo-Coker’s list, with the former midfielder pointing to the England captain’s performances in the Bundesliga and his individual goalscoring numbers.

“What he did in the Bundesliga and at the World Cup. His numbers and his individual goals as well, so you have to put him there,” Reo-Coker said.

He ultimately selected Yamal as his number-one candidate to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or is scheduled to be announced in London on October 26.