Lamine Yamal makes history as a three-time Ballon d'Or nominee before age 20

FC Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal has set a historic record by becoming the first player to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or three times before reaching his 20th birthday. As of September 8, 2026, the 19-year-old forward appears on the official list of 30 candidates for the 2026 edition of the prestigious award.

Yamal's journey within the Ballon d'Or rankings began in 2024 when he achieved an 8th-place finish. In 2025, his performance trajectory saw a significant increase as he climbed to 2nd place. With his inclusion in the 2026 shortlist, the athlete now awaits the final results, with many analysts and fans labeling him as a primary favorite to claim the trophy this year.

This achievement highlights the rapid professional ascent of the young talent in international football. The football community continues to follow his progress closely, as he maintains a consistent presence among the world's top elite players despite his youth.