Laporta Claims Barcelona Play The Best Football In The World, Backs Lamine Yamal For Ballon d’Or

According to a report by Barca Universal on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has declared that the club are playing the best football in the world while backing teenage forward Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or.

Laporta made the comments ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League meeting with Galatasaray in Istanbul, praising the team’s impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign under manager Hansi Flick.

Barcelona have won all nine of their matches in all competitions this season, including eight in La Liga and a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord in their Champions League opener.

The club president believes Flick’s team have established themselves among Europe’s leading sides, although he acknowledged the quality of other contenders.

“Barcelona, with all due humility, are playing the best football in Europe and the world,” Laporta said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

He also recognised Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich as strong challengers, adding that Barcelona must remain prepared for unexpected developments throughout the campaign.

Laporta credited the team’s performances to the attractive style of football they have adopted, as well as the atmosphere within the dressing room.

He praised the working relationship between Flick and sporting director Deco, saying their collaboration had helped establish a positive environment and strong team spirit.

“The atmosphere and team spirit are the key to everything, and Flick and his staff, along with Deco and his team, have achieved that,” he said.

The Barcelona president also expressed his support for Yamal’s Ballon d’Or ambitions, insisting the young forward deserves recognition for his performances.

“I hope Lamine wins the Ballon d’Or. He deserves it,” Laporta said.

Yamal remains one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players, with the club expecting him to play a significant role in their pursuit of major honours this season.

Laporta also stressed that Barcelona intend to challenge for every competition they enter, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League.

“The aim is to be contenders to win every competition we enter. We have a very competitive and well-balanced team,” he said.

Turning to the Galatasaray fixture, Laporta expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, pointing to the players’ motivation and positive mood ahead of the encounter.