2026 Ballon d’Or: Gavi Praises Mbappé but Backs Lamine Yamal

Ahead of the October 25 Clasico, Gavi told RMC Sport and DAZN that he hopes his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal will win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, whose winner is due to be announced on October 26. Yamal finished second behind Ousmane Dembélé in 2025 and could succeed him. Gavi also called Kylian Mbappé one of the world’s best players and defended his exceptional season, saying team context also affects the chance to win titles. He praised Dembélé’s 2025 victory and said he was very happy for his friend.