João Félix has made his choice in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, backing former Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
João Félix Backs Yamal With Bold Ballon d’Or Message
João Félix has publicly backed Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, choosing the Barcelona star ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
The Al Nassr forward was asked for his opinion on one of the closest individual award races in recent years.
Félix did not avoid the question.
While admitting Mbappé and Kane both enjoyed outstanding seasons, the Portuguese star made it clear that Yamal would receive his support.
João Félix makes his Ballon d’Or choice
Speaking about the leading candidates, Félix explained what he believes a Ballon d’Or winner should represent.
For him, the award should not be decided only by goals or statistics.
He believes the winner should also be a player who creates excitement and leaves a lasting impression on football fans.
Félix then delivered his strongest message:
“Mbappé and Harry Kane had great seasons, but Lamine is football.”
It was a powerful show of support for his former Barcelona teammate.
Why Félix prefers Yamal
Félix believes Yamal has something that goes beyond numbers.
According to the Portugal international, the young Barcelona star is the type of player who makes supporters want to watch a match simply because he is on the pitch.
That entertainment value and ability to create special moments are major reasons Félix believes Yamal deserves the Ballon d’Or.
For him, the best player in the world should be someone supporters remember for more than just goals.
World Cup success gives Yamal another advantage
Yamal’s success with Spain has also played an important part in Félix’s decision.
The Barcelona youngster helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup.
Félix believes winning the biggest international tournament carries enormous weight in a Ballon d’Or year.
That gives Yamal an important advantage over Mbappé and Kane.
Both rivals produced exceptional individual numbers, but neither finished the World Cup as champion.
Mbappé and Kane still receive praise
Félix did not try to dismiss the achievements of Yamal’s biggest rivals.
He specifically praised both Mbappé and Kane for their seasons.
Mbappé has built his campaign around his goals, records and individual performances for Real Madrid and France.
Kane, meanwhile, produced an extraordinary scoring season for Bayern Munich and England.
Félix accepts that both players have strong arguments, but his personal choice remains Yamal.
Félix agrees with Yamal’s Ballon d’Or argument
Interestingly, Félix’s opinion is very similar to Yamal’s own argument about the award.
The Barcelona star has repeatedly said that the Ballon d’Or should not simply go to the player who scores the most goals.
Yamal believes there is a difference between being the best goalscorer and being the best footballer.
For him, creativity, influence, entertainment and the ability to decide important matches should also matter.
Félix appears to strongly agree with that view.
Yamal continues to receive major support
Félix is now another high-profile footballer to publicly support Yamal’s Ballon d’Or campaign.
The Spanish youngster has received huge praise throughout the season for his performances with Barcelona and Spain.
His World Cup success has only strengthened his position.
And support from former teammates such as Félix adds another voice to the growing debate.
Former Barcelona connection
Félix knows Yamal better than many players involved in the discussion.
The two shared a dressing room during Félix’s time at Barcelona.
That gave the Portuguese forward an opportunity to see Yamal’s talent at close range.
His support therefore comes from someone who has trained and played alongside the young winger.
Félix clearly believes Yamal has developed into one of the most special players in world football.
Félix also speaks about his own Ballon d’Or absence
The Al Nassr star was also asked about not being included among the main Ballon d’Or candidates.
Félix said he was not too concerned.
However, he suggested that players competing in Saudi Arabia can sometimes receive less recognition than those playing in Europe.
He believes his own season deserved respect, even if it was not enough to put him in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
A Ballon d’Or race built on different arguments
The 2026 race has become especially interesting because the leading candidates offer very different cases.
Mbappé points to his individual records and scoring numbers.
Kane has one of the strongest goalscoring records in world football.
Yamal’s case is based on creativity, influence, style and major team success.
Félix has now made it clear which argument convinces him the most.
João Félix makes his position clear
There was little doubt left after Félix’s comments.
He respects Mbappé.
He respects Kane.
But when asked who should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, his answer points firmly toward his former Barcelona teammate.
For João Félix, Lamine Yamal represents more than numbers.
He represents the type of football that makes people want to watch.
And in Félix’s view, that is exactly what a Ballon d’Or winner should be.
