Why don't we rebel?": Spanish anger over the snubbing of Yamal's Ballon d'Or chances

Spanish media backlash is building over the idea that Lamine Yamal’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or could be dismissed, even though Spain won the 2026 World Cup. The ceremony is scheduled for 26 October in London, and debate centers on who leads the race, with France’s Kylian Mbappé, England’s Harry Kane, Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Spain’s Yamal named among the contenders. Spanish radio journalist Manu Carreño argued that Spain’s status is being treated as if a Spanish player “will not win,” pointing to a lack of an “exceptional season” that “breaks everything” in the voting. He also criticized a supposed mismatch between World Cup winners and Ballon d’Or recognition, referencing Spain’s 2010 and 2026 triumphs.