Ballon d’Or 2026: Can Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal become youngest winner?

A once-in-a-generation talent. A superstar in the making. Equal parts audacious and ambitious.Those are just a few words that best encapsulate Lamine Yamal’s appeal.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Man United’s Carrick not worried about his job despite ‘unacceptable’ losslist 2 of 4Man United captain Fernandes slams Carrick’s tactics after Como hammeringlist 3 of 4UEFA demands FIFA release key documents on World Cup sell-off planlist 4 of 4Ronaldo banned for 30 days, fined $285 over spat with coach Jesusend of listSince making his first-team debut three years ago, Yamal has taken world football by storm, compelling fans and players alike to take note of his talent.His flair on the football field and flamboyant personality off it have made Yamal one of the sport’s best showmen in recent years.Now, the 19-year-old has set his sights on another big prize to add to his glittering cabinet – the Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honour.No teenager has won the Ballon d’Or in the award’s 70-year history – Yamal is campaigning to become the youngest winner.So, how does his bid compare with the other leading contenders? Al Jazeera breaks it down:Yamal’s double ...