Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal has won the men’s Young Talent of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, becoming the first player to claim the honour for three consecutive years.
The 19-year-old received the award from former Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko at Monday’s ceremony in London, extending his record after previous victories in 2024 and 2025.
However, Yamal used his acceptance speech to praise Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsí, insisting that the young defender deserved to win the prize instead.
“It is an honour to be here and receive this prize,” Yamal said.
“I would have liked to see my team-mate Cubarsí here because I think this prize should have been for him. He has been playing at an excellent level for some time.”
Yamal, who also thanked Barcelona and Spain’s national team for their support, reiterated his belief that Cubarsí should have received the recognition.
“Speaking about this one specifically, this one should have been for Cubarsí,” he added.
A record-breaking achievement
Yamal’s latest triumph further strengthens his position among football’s leading young talents. His three consecutive victories represent an unprecedented achievement in the award’s history, which dates back to 2018.
The award, formerly known as the Kopa Trophy, recognises the best-performing male footballer aged 21 or younger. The winner is selected by former Ballon d’Or recipients.
Yamal’s success follows an impressive 2025–26 campaign with Barcelona, during which he helped the Catalan club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
He scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, according to Barcelona, while also being named La Liga’s player of the season.
His performances have established him as one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players, combining dribbling ability, creativity and goalscoring contributions.
Why Yamal backed Cubarsí
Yamal’s tribute highlighted the growing influence of Cubarsí, another product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy.
The central defender has become an important figure in Barcelona’s defence, making 48 appearances for the first team during the 2025–26 season. His performances have also strengthened his standing in Spanish football.
Although Yamal took home the individual honour, his comments demonstrated his appreciation for Cubarsí’s contribution and his belief that the defender’s consistency deserved greater recognition.
The exchange also highlighted the strength of Barcelona’s emerging generation, with both players playing important roles for club and country.
Yamal’s latest award adds another milestone to his rapidly developing career, but his acceptance speech ensured that the spotlight extended beyond his own achievements to a team-mate he believes was equally deserving of the honour.
