Nico Williams Backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has thrown his support behind fellow Spain international Lamine Yamal in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that the Barcelona star represents the kind of player fans tune in specifically to watch.
Williams believes the award should go to the player who can attract viewers through his individual quality and entertainment, rather than simply being part of a successful team.
“For me, the best player should be the one you turn on the TV just because you want to watch him,” Williams said.
“You’re not necessarily watching the team. You turn on the TV to watch that player.”
Williams then pointed directly to Yamal as an example, highlighting the strong appeal the teenager has developed since establishing himself as one of football’s biggest stars.
“I think many people buy tickets to watch Lamine when Barça play, despite all the great players they have,” he added. “He’s a very flashy player, very technical, very entertaining and very talented, and I think he deserves it.”
The pair have also shared the stage with the Spanish national team, playing together during Spain’s successful 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Spain subsequently returned to international action as world champions, with Yamal continuing to play a prominent role for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Williams and Yamal have also been linked by their club football careers. Yamal has become a key figure at Barcelona, while Williams remained with Athletic Club despite previous interest from the Catalan giants.
Yamal enters this year’s Ballon d’Or race after another standout period for both Barcelona and Spain. He is among the 30 nominees for the men’s award, alongside some of the biggest names in world football, including Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham.
The Barcelona winger finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé taking the award.
This year, Yamal will have another opportunity to claim the individual honour after helping Spain lift the 2026 World Cup. His performances have continued into the new season, including scoring Spain’s opening goal in their 3–2 Nations League victory over England at Wembley on 26 September.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on Monday, 26 October, at the London Palladium in London, England. The event will mark the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 1956.
With the voting period now closing, Yamal’s World Cup success, club performances and growing influence will form part of the discussion surrounding his bid for the prestigious individual award.
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