Former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti picks his favorite for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has surprisingly backed Kylian Mbappé to win the Ballon d’Or despite his strong allegiance to the Catalan club, as reported by Tribuna.

​Speaking to DAZN alongside Ivan Rakitić, Umtiti praised Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal: ​”It’s incredible how he handles the ball. He’s a very intelligent player, with special quality and personality. He doesn’t remind me of Leo Messi, but he has something different, something you don’t find in any other player. He’s unique”.​

He also highlighted Fermín López’s work rate: ​”he’s doing a great job. He’s a player who contributes a lot to the team, both with his intensity and his commitment”.​

Warning against underestimating Real Madrid, Umtiti added: ​”We have to keep in mind that Barcelona aren’t alone on the pitch: there’s also a great rival in front of them. The player I respect the most is Kylian Mbappé”.​

“Sometimes you might think Real Madrid are finished, but suddenly they react and score two goals in no time. They’re a team that never gives up and have a special ability to compete in tough moments”.

​Concluding on his Ballon d’Or pick, Umtiti stated: ​”I’m a big Barca fan, but I think Mbappe deserves the Ballon d’Or”.