Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘Without doubt’ – Czech Republic coach, Denia names player to win award

Czech Republic national football team head coach, Santi Denia, has named the player to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Denia spoke after Spain defeated Czech Republic in a Nations League clash on Saturday.

He named Spain winger Lamine Yamal as the player to win this year’s Ballon d’Or without a doubt.

“I think Lamine Yamal is the Ballon d’Or winner, without a doubt,” Denia told Cadena SER.

“It doesn’t matter that he’s 19; he’s a game-changer, a World Cup winner. People go to the stadium to see Lamine. People pay for tickets to see him.”

Yamal was among the 30 players nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and the winner will be announced later this month in London.