'He is the best in the world' - Jorge Mendes backs Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to beat Kylian Mbappe to 2026 Ballon d'Or

Super-agent Jorge Mendes has claimed that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is "by far" the best player in the world. The Portuguese representative believes the teenager is the only logical choice for the 2026 Ballon d'Or following his historic exploits for club and country.

The debate surrounding the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner has intensified after Mendes publicly threw his full support behind his star client. That declaration came shortly after the Portuguese representative concluded a two-hour dinner with Barcelona president Joan Laporta. Speaking to journalists waiting outside the restaurant, Mendes voiced his absolute conviction that the teenage winger deserves to claim football's premier individual accolade.