Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has named Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal as his leading candidate to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, citing the youngster’s exceptional performances for both club and country, particularly at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to a report by Daily Post published on Friday, July 24, 2026, Gallas believes the teenage sensation has emerged as the standout contender for football’s most prestigious individual prize.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or is scheduled to be presented in London on October 26, with many of the world’s top footballers expected to compete for the award, which recognizes the year’s outstanding individual performer.
Paris Saint-Germain and France forward Ousmane Dembélé claimed the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but Gallas believes the award is now Lamine Yamal’s to lose following the Spaniard’s remarkable performances over the past year.
The former France international based his prediction largely on Yamal’s influential role in Spain’s successful 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
According to Gallas, the Barcelona winger consistently delivered outstanding displays throughout the tournament despite reportedly beginning the competition while managing an injury.
He said Yamal’s contributions were instrumental in helping Spain lift the World Cup trophy, adding that success on football’s biggest stage could prove decisive when Ballon d’Or voters cast their ballots.
Gallas argued that major international tournaments often play a significant role in determining the eventual winner of the award, and he believes Spain’s World Cup triumph has strengthened Yamal’s credentials more than those of any other contender.
The former defender also dismissed the chances of Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane, despite the forward’s goal-scoring record during the tournament.
According to Gallas, Kane did not produce the consistently dominant performances required to win the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking to iPredicta, as quoted by Yahoo Sports, Gallas said:
“Harry Kane didn’t have a great, great World Cup. Even if he scored goals, his World Cup was not the best. So, forget about Harry Kane winning the Ballon d’Or.”
He went on to explain why he believes Yamal stands above the rest of the field.
According to Gallas, the combination of individual brilliance and World Cup success places the Barcelona youngster ahead of every other candidate in the race for the award.
“You have to be focused on players like Lamine Yamal, who I think is the number one because he won the World Cup and his performances were good, despite having an injury at the start,” Gallas said.
Yamal’s performances throughout the World Cup have further enhanced his reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Despite his age, the Barcelona winger played with maturity and consistency during the tournament, earning widespread praise for his technical ability, creativity, and influence in crucial matches.
His displays for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team have established him as one of the leading figures in world football and strengthened his case for football’s highest individual honor.
Should Gallas’ prediction prove accurate, Yamal would add the Ballon d’Or to his growing list of achievements, further cementing his status as one of the game’s most exciting young stars.
Winning the award would also represent another milestone in a career that has progressed at an extraordinary pace, with the teenager already playing a central role for both club and country.
As anticipation builds ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October, debates continue over which player has done enough to claim the prestigious accolade.
While several elite footballers remain in contention, Gallas believes Yamal’s World Cup triumph and consistently impressive performances have made him the clear frontrunner.
His endorsement adds to the growing belief among many football observers that the Barcelona star has positioned himself as the leading favorite to succeed Ousmane Dembélé as the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner.
