Diego Simeone Backs Lionel Messi for 2026 Ballon d'Or Over Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe

Diego Simeone Supports Lionel Messi for 2026 Ballon d'Or

Diego Simeone, the Atletico Madrid manager, has chosen to back Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, dismissing rising star Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe as serious contenders. Despite Messi being 39, Simeone believes the Argentine's World Cup performance cements him as the favorite for football's top individual prize.

Simeone Ignores Yamal and Mbappe's Claims

Before Atletico's upcoming game against Osasuna, Simeone was asked about who he thinks deserves the Ballon d'Or. He quickly dismissed claims by others and expressed confidence in Messi’s continued brilliance on the global stage.

The debate intensified after Lamine Yamal, the young Barcelona winger, recently stated that he and Kylian Mbappe are currently the two best players worldwide. Simeone rejected this view entirely, pointing to Messi’s unmatched achievements.

"Messi, without a doubt," Simeone said firmly when asked about the award. "After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi."

The decisive factor for Simeone was Messi leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final before losing to Spain. For the Atletico coach, sustaining such elite performance at 39 surpasses the claims of Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Harry Kane, or Ousmane Dembele.

Other Contenders Present Their Cases

Following Simeone's remarks, Yamal publicly put forward his case for winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or, highlighting his achievements in La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the World Cup with Spain.

Ousmane Dembele, the current holder of the Ballon d'Or, also expressed his desire to retain the award, stating: "It is going to stay in the hands of a PSG player. I’m a competitor, so it’s my goal to win it again."

This upcoming nomination marks Messi’s 17th time on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, just one shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record 18 nominations. Messi last won the award in 2023, claiming it for the eighth time.

2026 Ceremony Set for London

The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held on October 26, 2026, in London. This marks the first time the event moves away from Paris, honoring Sir Stanley Matthews, the first-ever winner back in 1956.

• Ballon d’Or 2026 Ceremony: October 26, 2026
• Location: London
• Significance: 70th edition and tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews