De La Fuente tips Yamal for Ballon d’Or success

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has backed Barcelona star Lamine Yamal as a strong candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or, saying the teenager is on track to become a football legend. 

Yamal impressed again in Spain’s 3-1 Nations League victory over Czechia on Saturday, scoring a stunning opening goal.

The 19-year-old cut inside before placing a superb effort into the top corner to put Spain ahead. 

Rodri doubled the lead before half-time, while Jiri Slama pulled one back for Czechia before Mikel Merino sealed Spain’s victory late in the game.

Yamal’s goal continued his excellent run of form for the national team, as he had scored in three consecutive matches. 

His latest strike also took his combined tally for Barcelona and Spain to 12 goals and seven assists since returning to action after the 2026 World Cup.

De la Fuente said Yamal continues to surprise him with his talent and quality, adding that the youngster still has considerable room for improvement. 

The Spain boss described him as a key player with significant influence and said he is developing rapidly despite already performing at an elite level.

The manager also believes Yamal deserves to be considered among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or. 

While competition from other Spanish players and stars such as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe could affect his chances, De la Fuente insisted that Yamal would be his choice as the world’s best player if he were Spain’s only nominee.

Spain’s victory maintained their unbeaten run at 41 matches and kept them three points clear at the top of their Nations League group after England’s 7-0 win over Croatia. 

De la Fuente’s side will now travel to Croatia for their final match of the international break on Tuesday, with Yamal expected to remain central to Spain’s pursuit of another victory.