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Lamine Yamal Won’t Campaign for 2026 Ballon d’Or

9/8/2026

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Summary

Yamal Rejects Ballon

Lamine Yamal announced he will not campaign for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
He joined Barcelona’s leadership group as a 19-year-old captain-candidate.
Yamal said winning the Champions League is Barcelona’s biggest motivation.
He highlighted his 24 goals and 18 assists in Barcelona’s LaLiga and Supercopa titles.
He noted Ousmane Dembele omitted him from his Ballon d’Or top three, joking about Kylian Mbappé.

Summary

France Football Announces

France Football announced the 2026 Ballon d'Or Team of the Year nominees for men and women.
The men's shortlist includes Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo and Paris Saint-Germain, leaving out Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Women’s nominees include Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Club América, Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais.
Paris Saint-Germain, 2025 Club of the Year winners, aim for a consecutive title after their Champions League win.

Summary

Garcia Misses

Eric Garcia misses the Champions League opener because of a nose injury and suspension.
Jules Kounde replaces Garcia at right-back for the match.
Pau Cubarsí and Andreas Christensen will partner as Barcelona’s centre-defence pairing.
João Cancelo makes his season debut at left-back, giving Xavi Espart a rest.
Midfield trio Rodri, Pedri and Fermín López start, while front line features Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon.

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Yamal Rejects Ballon

Lamine Yamal announced he will not campaign for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
He joined Barcelona’s leadership group as a 19-year-old captain-candidate.
Yamal said winning the Champions League is Barcelona’s biggest motivation.
He highlighted his 24 goals and 18 assists in Barcelona’s LaLiga and Supercopa titles.
He noted Ousmane Dembele omitted him from his Ballon d’Or top three, joking about Kylian Mbappé.

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