Real Madrid Fans’ Ballon d’Or Debate: Why Lamine Yamal
Real Madrid Fans’ Ballon d’Or Debate: Why Lamine Yamal Has Become the Main Target
Among some Real Madrid supporters, the discussion is no longer simply about whether Kylian Mbappé should win the Ballon d’Or. Some fans appear more concerned about preventing Barcelona star Lamine Yamal from taking the award.
For those supporters, a Ballon d’Or victory for Mbappé would obviously be welcomed. But if the French forward does not win, they could still accept another candidate taking the prize.
Harry Kane, Michael Olise or even a Paris Saint-Germain player could reportedly be preferable to seeing Yamal win the individual award.
Yamal at the Center of the Rivalry
Yamal has become one of the biggest names in world football despite his young age. His performances for Barcelona and Spain have placed him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
That has also made him a major figure in the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
For some Madrid supporters, the possibility of Yamal winning the award is particularly difficult to accept because of his connection with Barcelona. The Ballon d’Or is an individual prize, but club rivalries often influence how supporters view individual players.
As a result, some online discussions have developed into a simple preference: almost anyone can win, provided it is not Yamal.
Mbappé Is Not the Only Alternative
Kylian Mbappé remains one of the most discussed candidates. As a Real Madrid player, his success naturally matters to Madrid supporters.
However, the fan debate shows that support for Mbappé does not necessarily mean every Madrid supporter believes he must win at all costs.
Some supporters have mentioned players such as Kane and Olise as acceptable alternatives. Others would even prefer a PSG player to Yamal.
That creates an interesting situation in the Ballon d’Or conversation. A Real Madrid fan can strongly support Mbappé while simultaneously focusing more on keeping Yamal away from the trophy.
The Barcelona Connection
Much of the tension comes from the long-running Barcelona–Real Madrid rivalry.
Yamal represents Barcelona's new generation, while Mbappé represents one of Real Madrid's biggest stars. Every major individual award involving the two players therefore becomes another opportunity for supporters of the rival clubs to debate their respective players.
The Ballon d’Or adds another layer because it is not decided by club supporters. Journalists from around the world participate in the voting process, meaning fan sentiment can influence the conversation without determining the final result.
A Fan Rivalry Bigger Than One Player
The strongest reactions online should not be interpreted as the opinion of every Real Madrid supporter.
Football fanbases are made up of millions of people with different opinions. Some Madrid fans may strongly prefer Mbappé, while others may respect Yamal's performances even if they support Real Madrid.
Still, the intensity of the online debate shows how quickly individual awards can become connected to historic club rivalries.
For some Real Madrid supporters, the 2026 Ballon d’Or conversation has therefore become less about choosing their favorite player and more about avoiding a particular outcome.
And that player is Lamine Yamal.
The final decision, however, will come from the Ballon d’Or voting process, not from Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG or their supporters.
Until the winner is announced, the debate between Mbappé, Yamal and the other leading candidates is likely to remain one of the biggest talking points in football.

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