Ballon d’Or 2026: “He’s phenomenal” — Lizarazu names his pick to win

Former France defender Bixente Lizarazu says Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He backs Yamal ahead of contenders Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid, describing the Spanish international as phenomenal and saying he has raised his level of play. Lizarazu acknowledged that Yamal’s World Cup was not exceptional but noted that he is a world champion and won the Spanish league. The Ballon d’Or winner is due to be announced before the end of the month.