Lamine Yamal has become the first player to finish in the top 10 of three consecutive Ballon d’Or editions before turning 20, after taking third place in 2026.
The Barcelona forward, who is 19, was eighth in 2024, runner-up in 2025 and then moved on to the podium in 2026. His latest finish came behind England captain Harry Kane and France forward Kylian Mbappe.
Yamal’s rapid rise has established him among the leading figures in world football. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed confidence that the teenager will eventually win the Ballon d’Or.
From eighth place to the podium
Yamal first made a significant impression in the award rankings in 2024, when he finished eighth at the age of 17. Rodri won that year’s prize, ahead of Brazil forward Vinicius Junior and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
During that season, Yamal made 50 official appearances for Barcelona and scored seven goals. He also played an important role in Spain’s success at UEFA Euro 2024, which ended with victory over England in the final.
The teenager was also named the winner of the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player, in 2024.
A year later, Yamal climbed to second in the Ballon d’Or standings, with France forward Ousmane Dembele taking the award. He produced an outstanding campaign under German manager Hansi Flick, making 55 official appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing 21 assists.
Yamal helped Barcelona complete a domestic treble by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. He was also one of the team’s leading performers in the UEFA Champions League, where Barcelona’s run ended in the semi-finals against Inter Milan.
He retained the Kopa Trophy for a second successive year, underlining his status as one of the world’s most prominent emerging talents.
Third place strengthens record
Yamal’s third-place finish in 2026 followed a 2025-26 season in which he scored 24 goals and supplied 18 assists across all competitions. He contributed to Barcelona’s La Liga and Spanish Super Cup victories and remained a central figure in the club’s attack.
At international level, he added the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain to his list of honours, having already won UEFA Euro 2024.
At the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Yamal also received the award for the best young talent, following his Kopa Trophy victories in 2024 and 2025.
Barcelona are listed to face Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on 31 October 2026. Yamal’s latest individual achievement further reflects the combination of team success and sustained recognition he has earned before reaching his 20th birthday.
