Barcelona Sporting director Deco says there should be “no discussion” surrounding the winner of the contest 2026 Ballon d’Or and he also expressed his anger at the omission of two Blaugrana favorites among the 30 contenders.
The list was revealed this Tuesday with the Barça winger Lamine Yamal one of the favorites after a brilliant season which, although derailed towards the end by injury, saw him play a pivotal role as the Catalan giants retained La Liga.
The 19-year-old then helped Spain win the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Deco believes these achievements put him above the likes of Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
He told RAC 1: “Lamine should be the favorite for the Ballon d’Or. For me, there is no discussion. Remember everything he has done with Barça and the national team. He has experienced decisive moments, even going to the World Cup with an injury. Last season was key. Last season was key. Last season was key.”
“It’s like when (former Barcelona winger) Leo (Messi) won and Leo was the best.”
Deco angry at the omission of Pedri and Raphinha
Deco could not hide his irritation when asked about the non-inclusion of two more Barça players, Pedri and Raphinha, who described it as a “worldwide scandal”.
He added: “I don’t understand the lists and how they are made, but there are injustices in the awards.
“It’s hard to see that Pedri doesn’t have talent, like Raphinha.”
Barça did have a couple more players on the list – Pau Cubarsí and new signing Rodri – and president Joan Laporta expressed his satisfaction on Wednesday at the recognition of the club’s achievements.
“Barça is a unique club and the proof of that is in these nominations. We are very proud,” said Laporta. “The players we have must be grateful to Barcelona Futbol Club for what it gives them. I will be very happy if a Barça player wins.”
About Yamal, he added: “He is spectacular. He has exceptional quality, he is a genius and I think his Ballon d’Or nomination is more than deserved. He has a maturity for his age, (that is) fantastic. It hurts me when you talk about the nominations that neither Pedri nor Raphinha are nominated. I think that for their quality they also deserve a case.”
The full list of nominees for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid)
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Marquinhos (PSG)
Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Joao Neves (PSG)
Willian Pacho (PSG)
Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah)
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rodri (Barcelona)
Fabián Ruiz (PSG)
Ferran Torres (PSG)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Dayor Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
Vitinha (PSG)
How does Ballon d’Or voting work?
The list of 30 players for the main awards is voted on by a jury of journalists from France Football and L’Equipe.
A journalist from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings then votes for their top 10 from each list with each position awarded a certain number of points.
- First place: 15 points
- Second place: 12 points
- Third place: 10 points
- Fourth place: 8 points
- Fifth place: 7 points
- Sixth place: 5 points
- Seventh place: 4 points
- Eighth place: 3 points
- Ninth place: 2 points
- Tenth place: 1 point
Which players have won the men’s award previously?
2025: Ousmane Dembele
2024: Rodri
2023: Lionel Messi
2022: Karim Benzema
2021: Lionel Messi
2019: Lionel Messi
When will the prize be awarded?
The ceremony will take place on Monday 26 October in London.
