Gabriel Jesus backs Lamine Yamal for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, praising the Barcelona star’s remarkable ability to make difficult things look easy

Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has backed Barcelona star Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, praising the teenager’s exceptional ability and saying he makes difficult things look effortless.

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Jesus shared his view while discussing this year’s Ballon d’Or race, with Yamal emerging as one of the leading contenders for football’s most prestigious individual prize.

“This year, it should go to Lamine,” Jesus said.

The Brazilian forward also reflected on his experience of training and playing alongside some of the game’s finest talents, placing Yamal among the outstanding players he has encountered during his career.

“I’ve had the opportunity to train with great players, and Lamine is one more among those I’ve trained and played with,” Jesus said.

Jesus reserved particular praise for Yamal’s composure and technical ability, highlighting the Barcelona winger’s remarkable capacity to perform difficult actions with apparent simplicity.

“Everything he does, he makes look easy,” Jesus said.

Yamal has continued to attract attention for his performances with Barcelona and Spain, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football.

Jesus’ endorsement adds another prominent voice to the growing debate over who should claim the Ballon d’Or, an award that recognises the outstanding individual player over the relevant season.

The Arsenal forward’s comments also underline the impression Yamal has made on players who have shared the pitch and training ground with him.

At a remarkably young age, Yamal has already developed into a key figure for Barcelona, with his creativity, close control and ability to influence matches making him a central part of the club’s attacking play.

Also read: Anthony Gordon: I Didn’t Believe Barcelona Deal Was Real

For Jesus, those qualities are enough to put Yamal ahead of the competition for this year’s prize.