'Lamine is the best player in the world' - Alex Baena backs Yamal for Ballon d'Or and makes Messi comparison

Catalan prodigy earns backingAtletico player Baena has openly backed Yamal to claim football's ultimate individual honour at the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Speaking ahead of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/atletico-madrid-real-madrid-laliga-preview/bltc663f26627fbe3d6">derby against Real Madrid</a>, the Spain midfielder claimed his young compatriot is performing at a level above any other player in world football. The ringing endorsement bolsters the Barcelona starlet's credentials following a stellar campaign in which he fired his country to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/spain-player-ratings-vs-argentina-ferran-torres/blt86d0c965b6d8c212">World Cup glory</a> and collected two domestic trophies with his club last season.Spaniard reveals podium picks%WIDGET:IMAGE|url=https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/getty-2282979837/crop/MM5DIMJVGQ5DEMZTG45G433XMU5DAORRGE2Q====/GettyImages-2282979837.jpg|caption=Spaniard reveals podium picks%With the star-studded ceremony in London fast approaching, Baena did not hesitate to place the teenage winger at the summit ahead of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/official-rodri-wins-ballon-d-or-beating-real-madrid-superstar-vinicius-jr-to-biggest-individual-award-in-football/bltf74941fa191d49cd">2024 winner Rodri</a> and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/zinedine-zidane-backs-lionel-messi-2026-ballon-dor-goat-claim/blteac9b266e432f270">Inter Miami superstar Messi</a>. Outlining his top three in an interview with <a href="https://www.dazn.com/">DAZN</a>, he stated: "It's crystal clear to me.