Matthäus Backs Yamal’s Talent but Doubts His 2026 Ballon d’Or Chances

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Former Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthäus believes Lamine Yamal may not have done enough to win the 2026 award, despite the Barcelona winger’s success with club and country. Matthäus described Yamal as an exceptional talent but said his performances over the past year were not consistent enough to make him the clear favourite. He added that major trophies could still strengthen the teenager’s chances ahead of players such as Kylian Mbappé, who he said ended the year without silverware for club or country. Harry Kane, Yamal and Mbappé are among the leading names in an open Ballon d’Or race. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 21.

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