Barcelona president Joan Laporta is convinced Lamine Yamal will eventually win the Ballon d’Or after the teenager finished third in the 2026 voting behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
Speaking after Monday’s ceremony in London, Laporta defended the winger’s credentials and insisted that missing out on football’s biggest individual prize should motivate him to come back stronger.
Yamal did, however, secure the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year, adding another distinction to his remarkable rise at Barcelona. The ceremony also brought several major honours for the club’s women’s team.
Laporta insists Yamal deserved the Ballon d’Or
Laporta made no secret of his belief that Yamal had done enough to win the prestigious individual award, even if the voters ultimately reached a different conclusion.
“I’m convinced he will eventually win the Ballon d’Or. I don’t know when, but he deserved it,” the Barcelona president said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Laporta insisted that the result should be accepted in a sporting spirit and used as motivation for the young forward.
Lamine finished third in the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
“In my opinion, he deserved to win the Ballon d’Or, but the voters decided this way. It was a sporting decision. And let this serve as motivation for him personally, because I’m sure it will,” said Laporta.
“All his teammates will help him get over this disappointment quickly,” he added.
The Barcelona president also urged the club and its supporters to continue showing Yamal affection, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his achievements at such a young age.
“Give him some love because he deserves it,” Laporta said, before emphasising the significance of the winger’s latest Kopa Trophy.
“This is unique, and Lamine has been doing it since he was 16, which is truly remarkable. He deserves everything, and we will all help him to be even more motivated to win this award next year,” he noted.
Laporta convinced Lamine’s time will come. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Barcelona celebrate successful Ballon d’Or ceremony
Although Yamal missed out on the men’s Ballon d’Or, Barcelona had plenty to celebrate in London, particularly in the women’s categories.
Barcelona Femeni was named Women’s Club of the Year, while club legend Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or following her impressive season.
Goalkeeper Cata Coll received the award for the best female goalkeeper, Vicky Lopez was recognised as the best young female player, and head coach Pere Romeu won the award for the best women’s team coach.
Laporta expressed his gratitude for the recognition received by the club.
“It’s a source of pride to be a Barça supporter and, as Barcelona president, I’m grateful for the recognition,” he said.
The president also acknowledged that he had initially forgotten to mention Marc Vivés, the club’s technical secretary for women’s football, when thanking those responsible for the team’s success.
“I wanted to remember all the players and coaches, and I forgot to mention Marc Vives, the technical secretary, who works harder than anyone to help us achieve the best women’s football in the world.
“This award is also for him and for the fellow members of the board, who do an excellent job,” Laporta concluded.