Spain star claims 'anyone who knows about football' will recognize Lamine Yamal as the best in the world with Ballon d'Or endorsement

Spain winger Nico Williams has backed teammate Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or later this year. Lamine Yamal put on a show for his national team in their 4-1 win over Croatia in their UEFA Nations League match in Seville.

The Barcelona winger scored twice and provided an assist before getting substituted out. It marked the second consecutive game in which Lamine Yamal has got on the scoresheet for Spain, as he scored early for La Roja in their 3-2 win over England earlier in the international break.

Nico Williams, who chipped in with a late goal for Spain, lauded his compatriot for his recent performances. Speaking in the post-match mixed zone, Williams backed Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or and claimed that anyone with footballing knowledge will acknowledge Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world currently.

He said (via GOAL ): "Lamine deserves the Ballon d'Or. There are many opinions, but anyone who knows about football and likes football has to know that Lamine is the best.

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After finishing as the runner-up behind Ousmane Dembele in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings, Yamal has had a stellar season. He helped Barcelona win their second consecutive LaLiga title and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2025/26 season.

He also played a key role in helping Spain lift their first FIFA World Cup trophy since 2010. The teenage winger is considered one of the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or this year alongside France and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe and England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane.

With voting for the Ballon d'Or officially closed, Yamal and all the other candidates will have to wait until October 26th to learn the winner of the award, which will be announced in a ceremony in London. LaLiga club's director forced to make an apology after backing Lamine Yamal to win 2026 Ballon d'Or Espanyol director Monchi was forced to make an apology after endorsing Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Monchi's comments sparked uproar in Espanyol circles as his take was viewed as a betrayal of a long-standing crosstown rivalry. Speaking on a local Spanish radio show, he apologized (via GOAL): "I was asked a question, and I stirred up a bit of controversy among the Perico fans.

I apologise to anyone I offended. I was given the choice of Kylian Mbappe (French), Harry Kane (English), or Lamine Yamal (Spanish), and I opted for the Spanish option."