Alex Baena Picks Lamine Yamal Over Messi and Rodri for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena has named Lamine Yamal as his clear choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, placing the Barcelona teenager ahead of Rodri and Lionel Messi before the Madrid derby.
Baena believes Spain team-mate Yamal is currently football’s outstanding player after a campaign in which the 19-year-old helped Spain win the World Cup and lifted two domestic trophies with Barcelona.
“There is no doubt for me,” Baena said of his three-man ranking. “I would choose Lamine first, then Rodri and Messi. Lamine is the best player in the world. Rodri proved his quality at the World Cup and was the tournament’s best player. What Messi has achieved this season at 39 is extraordinary.”
Baena explains Yamal backing
The Atletico player said Spain’s summer training camps gave him a close view of Yamal’s ability, comparing the winger’s pull on viewers to Messi at his peak.
“I watched him closely in training this summer and he produces things that no other professional can do,” Baena said. “He is one of the few players I will watch a match specifically for. That only happened with Messi before. I watch Barcelona for him and a few others, but when he is absent it is difficult for me to watch.”
- Yamal recorded 24 goals and 18 assists for Barcelona and Spain last season.
- Baena ranked Rodri second after his World Cup displays.
- Messi was placed third, with Baena highlighting the Inter Miami forward’s form at the age of 39.
What happens next
Baena’s immediate focus is Atletico’s derby meeting with Real Madrid, while Yamal returns to Barcelona’s La Liga title challenge. The 70th Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at the London ceremony on October 26, with Yamal among the leading contenders for the award.
