Barcelona's supertalent Lamine Yamal has been informed about what he needs to do to become a serious candidate for the Ballon d'Or in 2026, while Ruud Gullit has explained to "GOAL" why a ninth triumph for Lionel Messi cannot be ruled out.
The title of the best player in the world is expected to be awarded to a superstar who will shine at this summer's World Cup.
Messi achieved this at Qatar 2022, when he led Argentina to historic triumph and won the eighth Ballon d'Or of his career.
He now has three more Ballon d'Ors than his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who last enjoyed triumph in 2017.
Even at the age of 41, the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend continues to play at a high level with Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo will be part of a star-studded Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup and is aiming for the biggest trophy with the national team.
If CR7 manages to win the World Cup as captain and main protagonist, the question is whether he can return to the race for the Ballon d'Or.
Asked if Messi and Ronaldo still have another Ballon d'Or in their sights, former Milan and Chelsea star Ruud Gullit - winner of the trophy in 1987 - told GOAL:
"If Messi has a decisive influence, then of course. But that's also what Ronaldo wants - and Portugal also has a very good team," he said.
However, a more likely winner is seen as Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.
At just 18 years old, he has already finished second in the Ballon d'Or standings and has La Liga and European Championship trophies on his CV.
Some have suggested that the Spanish talent could even surpass Messi's record of eight Ballon d'Ors, but Gullit is not convinced that path will start in 2026.
Asked if Yamal could win the trophy this year, the former Dutch international replied:
"I think it all depends on how he plays in the World Cup. Even if he wins the Champions League - which Yamal can't do this time - he needs to shine in the World Cup to make his mark and be a candidate for the Ballon d'Or, because he hasn't been in the final," he said.
"So who else from the Champions League finalists is coming this year? Ousmane Dembélé, of course – he's already won it. But for me, one of the best is Vitinha. Incredible player. I think he's the engine of that midfield. He could be fantastic at the World Cup too," the Dutchman concluded./Express newspaper/
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