Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘Only one qualified’ – Lamine Yamal names player to win special award

Barcelona forward, Lamine Yamal, has named his Barcelona teammate, Pau Cubarsi, as the only player well positioned to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Young Talent of the Year award. 

Both Spain and Barcelona players have been included in the 10-man shortlist for this prestigious accolade, also referred to as the Kopa Trophy.

As the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, scheduled for October 26, the event’s organiser, France Football, commenced the announcement of nominees for various award categories on Monday, September 8.

The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the top-performing player under the age of 21, features Yamal and Cubarsi among the nominees for 2026. 

Other contenders include Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Yan Diomandé, Lennart Karl, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ibrahim Maza, Johan Manzambi, Éli Junior Kroupi, and Kerim Alajbegović.

In a post on Instagram, Yamal showed support for his club and country teammate Cubarsi, to win the Kopa Trophy. 

He wrote, “@paucubrasi he’s the only winner!!”

Undoubtedly, Cubarsi stands out as one of the top contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Young Talent of the Year. The 19-year-old center-back enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26 season at both club and international levels.

Cubarsi played a pivotal role in La Blaugrana’s league title victory last season, contributing one goal in 31 appearances. He then carried his exceptional form into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain, where they emerged victorious, and he was honoured as the Young Player of the Tournament.

Throughout the reviewed period, Cubarsi accumulated 1 goal, 2 assists, 5 yellow cards, and 1 red card in 62 matches across all competitions. 

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal currently holds the Kopa Trophy, having first won it in 2024 and successfully defending his title in 2025, making him the first player to achieve this feat consecutively.