Ballon d’Or 2026: He’s different, special – Xavi picks winner

Netherlands caput coach, Xavi Hernandez, has picked Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal to triumph the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Speaking up of his managerial debut against Germany successful the Nations League clash on Thursday, Xavi insisted that Yamal is antithetic and special.

According to him,  it would beryllium a bully twelvemonth for the Spain planetary to triumph the Ballon d’Or now.

Speaking to SPORT astatine the KNVB office successful Zeist, Xavi said: “Lamine is special, he’s different, he’s 19 and helium volition undoubtedly triumph it [2026 Ballon d’Or], but this would beryllium a bully twelvemonth for him to triumph it now.”

Xavi coached Yamal astatine Barcelona during his clip arsenic manager of the Catalan club.

Ballon d’Or 2026: He’s different, peculiar – Xavi picks winner