Ballon d'Or 2026: Yamal responds to Dembele not choosing him among the top 3 names for the award!

The date for selecting the best player of the year 2026 is approaching, with the Ballon d'Or 2026 award presented by France Football taking place on October 26, 2026, in London. Naturally, the nominated players will be asked about their own nominations.

• read more: Ballon d'Or 2026: Who are the names with the most runner-up finishes for the award?

Among those asked to nominate the top three names for these awards, French star Ousmane Dembele was asked for his opinion and answered with three names. Among the three names, Lamine Yamal, his former teammate at Barcelona, ​​was not present, which sparked a great deal of controversy on social media.

The top three names for Ousmane Dembélé to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Ousmane Dembélé firmly believes the Ballon d'Or is not up for debate this year. "I don't think this trophy is undecided. I think it will remain in the hands of a PSG player," he stated. When asked for his top three, he replied: "My top three? Kvara, Harry Kane, and I think Kylian Mbappé." The French winger refused to include himself, saying: "I never put myself in things like that. If it's me talking, I don't vote for myself." He also praised others, adding: "Michael Olise can be in it because he had an incredible season, Lamine Yamal, Fabian Ruiz. And Pacho, I hope we don't forget him this year."

Lamine Yamal responds to Ousmane Dembélé's Ballon d'Or selection

Lamine Yamal responded playfully to Ousmane Dembélé excluding him from his Ballon d'Or top three. "He's Kylian Mbappé's friend, right?" he joked with a smile. The young Barcelona star reflected on their encounters, saying: "I'm very happy with the season I had.

I think every time we faced each other, I probably did something that made them dislike me! And that's normal." Despite the omission, Yamal insisted their relationship remains strong: "My relationship with Ousmane is very good, and I understand that he wants to choose other players." He concluded confidently: "But I'm very happy with what I delivered this year, and I'm confident that everyone watched it, even if he didn't."

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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