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

Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid’s head coach, has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to claim the 2026 Ballon d'Or, setting aside claims from rising stars like Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe. Simeone highlights Messi’s outstanding performance at the World Cup despite being 39 years old as the key reason for his choice.

Simeone Rejects Other Contenders

The Argentine manager dismissed the current top favourites while speaking before Atletico's game against Osasuna. The conversation about the award reignited following comments by young winger Lamine Yamal, who declared himself and Mbappe as the best players globally. Simeone disagreed entirely, pointing to Messi’s unparalleled impact on football’s biggest stage.

Simeone’s Clear Pick

When asked who deserves football’s highest individual accolade, Simeone named Messi without hesitation. He said, “Messi, without a doubt. After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi.” The decisive factor was Messi guiding Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final before they narrowly lost to Spain. For Simeone, sustaining world-class performances at 39 surpasses the achievements of contenders like Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Harry Kane, or Ousmane Dembele.

Other Players Make Their Cases

Simeone’s remarks came soon after Lamine Yamal argued for his own candidacy, citing his victories in La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the World Cup with Spain as evidence. Meanwhile, reigning winner Ousmane Dembele expressed his determination to keep the trophy, 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.”

Ballon d'Or History and Upcoming Ceremony

This will be Messi’s 17th time shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, just one shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 18 appearances. Messi last won the prize in 2023, marking his eighth win.

The 2026 award ceremony, set for October 26 in London, will be the 70th edition and marks a change of venue from Paris for the first time. This move honors Sir Stanley Matthews, the first-ever winner back in 1956.

• Top Candidates: Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele
• Messi's Achievements: Led Argentina to 2026 World Cup final, 8-time Ballon d'Or winner
• Yamal's Achievements: Won La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, 2026 World Cup with Spain
• Dembele's Statement: Intends to retain Ballon d'Or with PSG
• Record Appearances: Messi (17), Cristiano Ronaldo (18)
• Ceremony Details: October 26, 2026; London; 70th Ballon d'Or event