On Tuesday, 17 October, Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal used his social‑media platform to react to the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony held in London, where he was placed third overall and affirmed that his own top honour will arrive in due time.
What were the final results?
Yamal finished behind England captain Harry Kane and France captain Kylian Mbappé in the voting tally. The 19‑year‑old’s third‑place finish made him the highest‑ranked Spanish player at the event.
What did Yamal say about his future?
In his post, the forward wrote: “It will come; good things take time. I trust the path I am building. My time will come.” The statement underscored his belief that the current result is a stepping stone toward eventual Ballon d'Or glory.
How did he respond to the winner?
Yamal also extended his congratulations to Kane, praising the Bayern Munich striker for securing the coveted award.
What other honours did Yamal receive that night?
During the same ceremony, Yamal was presented with the Kopa Trophy, recognising him as the best young player in world football. The accolade added to a season in which he helped Barcelona capture the La Liga title and contributed to Spain’s triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What does this mean for his career trajectory?
Yamal’s confident message suggests he views the third‑place finish as validation of his development rather than a setback. With a domestic league crown and a World Cup winner’s medal already in his cabinet, the young winger appears poised to challenge for the sport’s highest individual award in the coming years.