Ballon d'Or 2026: Samuel Eto'o backs Lamine Yamal to win

The president of Fécafoot has made his choice

Ballon d'Or 25 September 2026 at 12:13

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Ballon d'Or 2026: Samuel Eto'o backs Lamine Yamal to win

Former FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has announced his choice for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The president of Fécafoot overlooked Kylian Mbappé and voted for Lamine Yamal.

While Kylian Mbappé continues to make media appearances as part of his campaign for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, the Frenchman could see his little brother, Lamine Yamal, win the trophy. Indeed, Samuel Eto’o spoke out on Friday about the race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

The former FC Barcelona player decided to make a post to officially support Lamine Yamal's candidacy. The Cameroonian and African football legend did so through a post full of praise for the 19-year-old prodigy. “Ballon d'Or of our hearts. Genius, bold, talented… Good luck in this race for the Ballon d'Or. But whatever the verdict, one thing is already certain: just like Ousmane, you are already the Ballon d'Or of our hearts. Keep making us dream,” he wrote.

🌕🌍 Samuel Eto’o on Instagram for Lamine Yamal: “Ballon d'Or of our hearts ❤️🏆 Genius, Bold, Talented. Best of luck in this Ballon d'Or race”.

“Whatever the verdict is, one thing is certain, just like Ousmane, you are already the Ballon d'Or of our hearts. Keep making us… pic.twitter.com/pbMflCJ4GW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 25, 2026

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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.