Story perspectives

Lamine Yamal Won’t Campaign for Ballon d’Or

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lamine Yamal says he will not campaign for the Ballon d’Or, leaving the vote to journalists.
The Ballon d’Or will be awarded on Oct. 26 in London, with Yamal among the candidates.
Yamal, 19, recorded 24 goals and 18 assists as Barcelona secured LaLiga.
He was named vice-captain alongside Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Lionel Messi captured his first Ballon d'Or, becoming the youngest winner at 18. Messi’s 2005 season yielded 21 LaLiga goals for Barcelona, while the award’s 30-journalist voting panel allocated 55% of votes to him. Similarly, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal leads Barcelona, recording 24 goals and 18 assists, yet he declined to campaign, leaving the October 26 London vote to journalists. This mirrors past youth breakthroughs, suggesting the award may increasingly favor emerging talents over veteran campaigning, reshaping future voting dynamics.

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Story summary

Lamine Yamal says he will not campaign for the Ballon d’Or, leaving the vote to journalists.
The Ballon d’Or will be awarded on Oct. 26 in London, with Yamal among the candidates.
Yamal, 19, recorded 24 goals and 18 assists as Barcelona secured LaLiga.
He was named vice-captain alongside Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong.

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