Lamine Yamal to Win World Cup Golden Ball, Predicts Former Super Eagles Captain John Mikel Obi

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has named Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal as his pick for the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, backing the teenager to outshine a field that includes Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Harry Kane.

“I have to go with Lamine Yamal,” Mikel Obi said. “He’s just amazing. The way he plays, the confidence he plays with, everything he does is just superb. I think me and every football fan are looking forward to watching him again, and I think he will be great again.”

The 2026 World Cup officially kicked off on Thursday when co-host Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, before South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 later the same day. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run for more than five weeks, with the final scheduled for July 19.

Yamal enters the competition in strong form, having been named LaLiga player of the season. The 18-year-old had been considered a doubt for Spain’s opening fixture due to an injury concern, but his availability will be closely watched as Spain seek their first World Cup title since 2010, when they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final in South Africa.

The Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best individual player, has historically gone to central figures in deep World Cup runs. Lionel Messi claimed the award at both the 2022 and 2014 editions, while Luka Modric won it in 2018. Should Yamal replicate — or surpass — his performances from Euro 2024, where he was named the tournament’s best young player as Spain lifted the title, he would enter serious contention for the award.

Spain arrive at this tournament as one of the favourites, with a squad blending experienced campaigners and a generation of technically gifted young players. Yamal, who only turned 18 in July 2025, has already accumulated significant international experience and has become a central figure in Luis de la Fuente’s setup.

Mikel Obi, who earned over 90 caps for Nigeria during a career that included stints at Chelsea, Stoke City, and Trabzonspor, has remained a prominent voice in African football analysis since his retirement. His endorsement of Yamal reflects a broader consensus among analysts and former players who regard the Spaniard as one of the most compelling players to watch at this edition of the tournament.

With the group stage now underway, Yamal’s performances for Spain will be among the most closely monitored storylines of the 2026 World Cup.