Barcelona legend Samuel Eto’o has publicly thrown his support behind Lamine Yamal in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, describing the teenage superstar as the “Ballon d’Or of our hearts.” ❤️🏆
The former Barça striker sent the message to Yamal on social media, praising the 19-year-old for his talent and the way he continues to inspire football fans around the world.
Eto’o described Yamal as “genius, bold and talented” before wishing him luck in the Ballon d’Or race. He then made it clear that, regardless of the final result, Yamal has already earned a special place in the hearts of football supporters.
“Ballon d’Or of our hearts. Genius, bold, talented. Best of luck in this Ballon d’Or race.”
Eto’o continued his message by comparing Yamal’s situation with Ousmane Dembélé, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, saying that whatever happens when the votes are revealed, Yamal is already a Ballon d’Or in the hearts of the fans.
And coming from Eto’o, the message carries a special significance. 🇨🇲🔵🔴
The Cameroonian is one of the most celebrated African players in Barcelona’s history. He experienced the pressure of playing for Barça, scored in major matches and lifted the Champions League with the club. Now, years later, he is watching another young attacker create his own story in the famous Barcelona colours.
Yamal’s rise has been extraordinary.
At just 19, he has already become one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players and a major figure for Spain. His 2025/26 season included a La Liga title with Barcelona and a World Cup triumph with Spain, while he was also named La Liga’s best player for the campaign.
Those achievements have placed him firmly in the 2026 Ballon d’Or conversation.
Yamal himself has not hidden his ambition. He has said he believes he has done enough to be considered for the award and has identified Kylian Mbappé as one of the major players competing for the prize.
But instead of allowing the debate to become all about individual statistics, Eto’o chose to focus on something different: the joy Yamal brings to football. ❤️⚽
That is perhaps what makes the photograph of Eto’o standing beside Yamal so special.
One Barcelona legend is looking at the club’s next generation of superstar.
And the message is simple: keep making us dream. 🌟
Yamal has already experienced the pressure that comes with being one of the faces of Barcelona. Every touch is analysed. Every missed chance becomes a discussion. Every brilliant performance creates another round of Ballon d’Or debate.
Yet the youngster continues to play with confidence and personality.
His ability to create chances, score goals, take on defenders and influence matches from the right wing has made him one of the most talked-about young footballers on the planet.
And Eto’o clearly believes the teenager deserves recognition for that impact.
The former Barça star’s endorsement also arrives just weeks before the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which is scheduled for 26 October in London.
Whether Yamal ultimately lifts the trophy or not, Eto’o’s message underlines how highly he is regarded by one of Barcelona’s greatest former forwards.
From Eto’o’s era at Camp Nou to Yamal’s new generation, the Barça shirt continues to produce players capable of capturing the imagination of football fans.
And now one legend has publicly passed his encouragement to the next generation. 🔵🔴👑
Samuel Eto’o has spoken. Lamine Yamal has the support of a Barça legend. Now the Ballon d’Or night awaits. 🏆🔥
