Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reacted to Lamine Yamal missing out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting that the young winger deserved to win the prestigious individual award.

Despite Yamal’s impressive performances, the Barcelona star finished third in the voting behind winner Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. Laporta expressed his belief that Yamal will eventually win the Ballon d’Or, backing the teenager to achieve the milestone in the coming years.

"Lamine has sufficiently proven his merits to be the Ballon d’Or winner, but it couldn’t happen. We must now surround Lamine with love and support, for this is what he deserves. He can win the award next year”.

He insisted that Lamine Yamal deserved to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or despite finishing third. However, there are some Barcelona supporters who think the teenager should have been crowned the winner of the prestigious award following his performance for Spain and Barcelona during the 2025/26 season.

Although he missed out on the main prize, Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year, further highlighting his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.

Barcelona supporters will hope that Yamal can win the award next year