Lamine Yamal wins 2026 Young Talent award for third consecutive year at Ballon d’Or

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has won the 2026 Men’s Young Talent of the Year award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, claiming the honour for the third consecutive year.

According to The Punch, the Spanish international finished ahead of Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, who placed second and third respectively.

Yamal, who previously won the award in 2024 and 2025, became the first player to secure three consecutive victories.

German youngster Lennart Karl finished fourth, while Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomandé placed fifth.

The award recognises outstanding performances by emerging football talents worldwide.

The complete ranking featured players representing European and African nations, highlighting the growing influence of young footballers.