Ballon d’Or 2026: Rafael Leão hands the trophy to Lamine Yamal

13.10.26 FT Champions League

Galatasaray

1

:

Barcelona

4

On Tuesday evening, Rafael Leão and Galatasaray were beaten by Lamine Yamal’s FC Barcelona. The Portuguese took the opportunity to reveal his preference for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Rafael Leão was a privileged spectator of the show put on by Lamine Yamal on Tuesday evening during FC Barcelona’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League. A gracious loser, Rafael Leão hopes that his counterpart will soon be rewarded for his achievements.

"I hope Lamine Yamal wins the Ballon d’Or and major trophies with Barça this season. For me, he is one of the best players in the world, and beyond that, he is someone I greatly appreciate, both as a player and as a person. He is surrounded by good players at an extraordinary club," said the former AC Milan player in an interview with TNT Sports Brasil.

Yamal wants to win the Champions League this season

After his impressive performance yesterday, Lamine Yamal was interviewed on the CBS Sports set. Having provided two assists and delivered a technical masterclass, the Spaniard was asked by Thierry Henry whether FC Barcelona could achieve the treble this season (La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey). “Do I think the treble is possible? Always—we are Barça, we are the best team in the world,” declared the Spaniard.

Europe has been warned!

Read also: Ballon d’Or 2026: Jean-Pierre Papin criticises Mbappé’s communication

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

Galatasaray

Barcelona

Champions League