De la Fuente says Ballon d'Or winner should be Spanish, makes Yamal case

Luis de la Fuente believes a Spain player should win the Ballon d'Or following their World Cup triumph, arguing Lamine Yamal has done enough to be crowned the world's best player.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26, with Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane currently seen as the frontrunner.

Kane plundered a remarkable 65 goals in all competitions for Bayern in 2025-26, then hit the net on six occasions at the World Cup as England finished third.

Kylian Mbappe is also deemed a major contender after a 50-goal campaign for Real Madrid and a World Cup where he managed 14 goal involvements (10 goals, four assists) – a new single-tournament record – and overhauled Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi to become the competition's all-time leading scorer (22 goals).

But De la Fuente has been firm in his insistence that a Spain player should collect the prize following their World Cup win, just as Rodri did after they triumphed at Euro 2024.

Having signed a new contract to run through Euro 2032 on Monday, ahead of Spain's opening Nations League clash with England on Saturday, De la Fuente used an interview with El Larguero to argue the case for his players. 

"I think it has to be won by a Spaniard, because they are the best in the world in many respects, including their understanding of the game," the Roja boss said. 

"The Spanish footballer is an almost perfect player. They have more than enough merit this year, but it seems that it is difficult to give that recognition to our players."

Thirty players have been included on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, with six of those – Yamal, Rodri, Ferran Torres, Fabian Ruiz, Marc Cucurella and Pau Cubarsi – being Spanish.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian was the only player to win the World Cup and the Champions League trophies this year, while Rodri claimed the World Cup Golden Ball and Cubarsi was named Young Player of the Tournament.

But if there is to be a Spanish winner, Yamal seems the most likely recipient. He managed 24 goals and 17 assists for LaLiga champions Barcelona in 2025-26, with his 41 combined goal involvements being the sixth-most of any player from Europe's top five leagues (in all competitions).

Yamal also attempted (429) and completed (225) the most dribbles of any player, while his 59 chances created following carries were also the most. 

Making his case in a recent interview, Yamal said the Ballon d'Or was "not about who has scored 80 goals", in comments seen as a jab at the prospects of Kane and Mbappe.

But De la Fuente does not believe Yamal meant to offend any of his rivals and expects the winger to battle Mbappe for Ballon d'Or honours for years to come. 

"I think you have to see what he said in context. I think Lamine said it simply because he has enough merit, just like Mbappe," De la Fuente said. 

"They are two players with a different touch and who, in the coming years – while respecting other players – will mark football. 

"It does not seem like a lack of respect to me that both players say they have done enough to win it."