Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has said he will not beg or campaign to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or award. Speaking to the media ahead of his side's Champions League clash on Wednesday, the teenager said voters would determine who takes home the individual prize in October. The comments, reported by Nigeria's Daily Post, come as speculation builds over this year's candidates for football's most prestigious individual honour.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has become the first player to receive a Ballon d'Or nomination three times before turning 20, according to the Daily Post. The 19-year-old finished second in last year's award, behind Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele. His latest nomination for the 2026 edition follows what the report describes as an outstanding season for both club and country, further cementing the Spain international's status as one of world football's brightest young talents.

Ousmane Dembele, winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or, has named his top three contenders for the 2026 award. According to Legit.ng, the French forward picked Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and himself as the leading favourites for the prestigious individual prize. Notably, Dembele left out high-profile stars Lionel Messi and Rodri from his predictions. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will determine the successor to Dembele as the world's best player.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has predicted that the Ballon d'Or will once again be won by a PSG player, according to Vanguard News. His comments came as the nominees for the 2026 edition of football's prestigious individual award were announced on Tuesday. Dembélé's remarks suggest confidence within the French club's camp that one of their own will retain the honour in the upcoming ceremony.

Footballer Lamine Yamal told reporters he will not campaign for the Ballon d'Or award, saying he does not think he needs to and is not focused on what he deserves. According to Vanguard News, Yamal stated that everyone can think what they like about his chances, making clear he has no intention of lobbying for the prestigious individual honour.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has named Lionel Messi as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, overlooking other leading contenders including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. According to the report, Cech backed the eight-time winner to claim football's most prestigious individual prize once again, despite strong challenges from the England captain, the French forward and the young Barcelona star in the race for the award.