The 2026 Ballon d’Or already has its 30 nominees, and Lamine Yamal is once again in the running for one of football’s most important individual awards. The race promises to be especially intense after a season marked by standout performances, trophies and a World Cup that completely changed the landscape. But while other candidates are beginning to gain momentum, Lamine seems to know exactly what he plans to do: he is not going to ask for the award.
During a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord, the footballer was asked whether he would consider campaigning to win the Ballon d’Or.
Lamine did not hesitate for long before answering. For him, there is no need to convince anyone off the pitch because his work is already done, and it will be up to journalists to decide who deserves the recognition.
“I don’t think I need to campaign. Everyone can think whatever they want,” the player explained, making his position even clearer with a phrase that left little room for doubt: “I’m not going to start begging for anything.”
And it seemed like that was the end of the story. However, shortly afterward, a social media post put the player’s candidacy back at the center of the conversation.
Lamine Yamal’s girlfriend has already announced her own campaign
Inés García Santos, a Spanish content creator, model and influencer, referred to the recognition received by Lamine in her Instagram Stories.
The moment came as she showed that she was getting ready for a photoshoot and, among the content she posted, included a phrase that quickly caught attention: “My Ballon d’Or campaign starts now.”
And that is where the contrast appeared. While Lamine says he has no intention of campaigning or begging for the award, Inés seems to have decided that she can do her part to support his candidacy.
So, if she campaigns for him, does that mean Lamine will win?
No matter how much reach a digital campaign can generate through posts or videos featuring standout plays, the Ballon d’Or is not decided by likes, views, comments or social media polls.
The men’s winner will be selected by 100 specialized journalists, one from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings. Each voter must rank their ten favorite footballers and award them points based on their position on the ballot.
First place receives 15 points, second gets 12 and third gets 10. The points then continue with 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point, completing the ten names on each ballot.
That is why an Instagram post can generate conversation around Lamine, but it cannot replace the decision of the people who actually have a ballot in front of them.
Lamine has plenty of arguments to fight for the award
Yamal does not need his entire candidacy to depend on a social media campaign, either. His numbers from the 2025/26 season already gave him enough arguments to be among the nominees.
The player finished the season with 24 goals and 17 assists for club and country and was named the 2025/26 LaLiga Player of the Season.
In addition, after suffering a left hamstring injury during the final stretch of the season, he recovered in time to play at the 2026 World Cup, where Spain went on to lift the trophy.
He has also been a key figure for Barcelona in the current campaign. In the 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla, Lamine scored twice, finding the net in the 6th and 84th minutes.
