2026 Ballon d’Or: Hansi Flick backs ‘exceptional’ Yamal to win award

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has tipped Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Flick was speaking to the media after watching Yamal score twice in Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“Lamine is my player,” he said.

“He’s a Barcelona player and I also think he would deserve that too, to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

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“He’s an exceptional player. You can see that in every match. He’s special.”

Yamal has been included on the 30-man shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The 19-year-old, who helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey and LaLiga last season, could become the youngest-ever player to win the award.

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