Ballon d’Or: My Age Could Work Against Me –Yamal
Retold by Oddsrama · 2 October 2026
Lamine Yamal reckons his youth could be a double-edged sword in his pursuit of the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The Barcelona winger, just 19, has opened up about a harsh reality facing young talents: voters might overlook their current excellence simply because they assume there's always next year. Speaking to the Guardian, Yamal pointed out that being labeled "the future" can actually work against you when awards are decided today.
The Spanish star's concern cuts deeper than mere pessimism. He drew parallels with Kylian Mbappé, noting that the PSG forward faced similar presumptions early in his career—that he'd have plenty of chances to win the trophy down the line. The result? Mbappé still hasn't lifted the award despite his undeniable quality. Yamal isn't naming names, but he's essentially warning that if voters keep telling themselves "he'll win eventually," they might never actually vote for him when the moment counts.
Yamal has shifted his tone on the subject since September, when he said he wouldn't "beg" for the honor. Now he's making a calculated case: his style of play and entertainment value should speak louder than the argument of age. With the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony set for October 26 at London's Palladium, Yamal will face stiff competition from established names like Harry Kane, Rodri, and Mbappé themselves. For bettors watching individual awards markets, this candid admission reveals something crucial—Yamal believes the narrative around young talent can suppress their odds unfairly. If voters decide to act on his current form rather than his future potential, he's got a real shout.
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