Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has named Spain sensation Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite strong competition from several of the game’s biggest stars, Footynaija.com reports.
With the tournament underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the race for the award given to the competition’s best player is already generating debate among fans and pundits worldwide.
France captain Kylian Mbappe is widely regarded as one of the favourites. The Real Madrid forward announced himself on the world stage as a teenager during France’s triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign and was again the driving force behind Les Bleus’ run to the 2022 final, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer.
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However, Mikel, who featured at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil before captaining the Super Eagles at the 2018 edition in Russia believes Yamal could steal the spotlight this summer.
“I have to go with Lamine Yamal,” Mikel said.
“He’s just amazing. The way he plays, the confidence he plays with, everything he does is just superb. I think me and every football fan are looking forward to watching him again, and I think he will be great again.”
Still only 18, Yamal has established himself as one of world football’s biggest talents. The Barcelona winger played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and has continued his remarkable rise at club level after back-to-back La Liga titles in Catalonia.
With Spain among the favourites to challenge for the title, much could depend on the teenager’s ability to reproduce his best form on international football’s grandest stage.
Should he do so, Mikel believes Yamal could be the player walking away with the Golden Ball by the time this year’s tournament concludes next month.
