Overview
- Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste joined president Joan Laporta, sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick on Wednesday in publicly declaring that 19-year-old Lamine Yamal deserves the Ballon d'Or.
- Yuste told Mundo Deportivo that he admired Yamal for openly backing his own bid and called the teenager the best player in the world because of his decisive play and early career titles.
- LaLiga chief Javier Tebas countered on the same day by endorsing Rodri, citing the midfielder's standout performance at the 2026 World Cup.
- Reporting across outlets says Barcelona has been running PR support for Yamal and that the player’s visible self-promotion has become part of a wider, club-led campaign while voting continues.
- The race remains open with multiple credible contenders and voters weighing club trophies and early-career impact against individual World Cup form and season statistics before the Oct. 26 France Football ceremony.