Barcelona’s Gerard Martin tips Lamine Yamal for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Barcelona defender Martin has backed Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while insisting fellow Spain international Pau Cubarsi should be firmly in contention for a top placing after an extraordinary year.
Martin makes Yamal his clear Ballon d’Or choice
With worldwide voting approaching its deadline, Martin believes Yamal has been the standout player and should take football’s biggest individual prize.
He also called for greater appreciation of Cubarsi, arguing that the 19-year-old centre-back’s achievements should not be overlooked in a vote often dominated by attacking players.
Cubarsi has been nominated for both the 2026 Ballon d’Or and the Kopa Trophy. His season included La Liga and Supercopa de Espana success with Barcelona, followed by Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph.
Martin said the award should recognise the game’s best player, naming Yamal as his pick, but added that Cubarsi has done enough to be near the podium. He pointed to the teenager’s age, performance level and trophy haul, while noting that central defenders receive less attention than players in more attacking roles.
Cubarsi’s early-season role remains crucial
Barcelona have already relied heavily on Cubarsi at the start of the La Liga campaign, with the defender starting five league games.
His place at the heart of the back line will remain important as Barcelona manage fixtures across the domestic calendar and the Champions League. The club view him as a long-term defensive reference point.
Barcelona see a more mature side
Martin, who is nearing 100 appearances for Barcelona, also believes the squad is better equipped to handle pressure than it was in previous seasons. His ability to play on the left of central defence has made him an increasingly useful option in the first-team rotation.
He compared the current group with the side that lost control of a Champions League tie against Inter two years ago. In his view, Barcelona now manage difficult passages of play with more calm and experience, rather than trying to force every moment at maximum intensity.
Key moments in the Ballon d’Or race
- Cubarsi wins La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona.
- Spain lift the 2026 World Cup, adding another major honour to Cubarsi’s year.
- Cubarsi receives nominations for the Ballon d’Or and Kopa Trophy.
- Martin publicly selects Yamal as his Ballon d’Or winner while pushing Cubarsi’s case.
- The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for London on October 26.
What happens next
The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in London on October 26. It will be the first time the ceremony has been staged outside Paris.
- Martin sees Yamal as the leading candidate for the main award.
- Cubarsi is being backed for major recognition after club and international silverware.
- The 19-year-old has started five La Liga matches this season.
- Barcelona’s defensive maturity will face further tests in league and European competition.
