Ruud Gullit Rules Out Lamine Yamal for 2026 Ballon d’Or, Backs PSG’s Vitinha and Dembélé

Netherlands and AC Milan icon Ruud Gullit has weighed in on the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, asserting that Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal does not meet the criteria required to claim the award this year — and has identified two Paris Saint-Germain players as more credible contenders.

Speaking in an interview with Goal, Gullit argued that Champions League finalists carry a structural advantage in the Ballon d’Or voting process. Because Barcelona were eliminated before reaching the final this season, Gullit believes Yamal’s case is significantly weakened regardless of his domestic performances.

“Yamal cannot win that [Ballon d’Or] this time anyway,” Gullit said. “He has not been in the Champions League final. He needs to excel at the World Cup to be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.”

Gullit directed attention instead toward PSG’s Vitinha, the 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder who has been instrumental in the French club’s Champions League campaign. “He is the engine of PSG’s midfield and could be a fantastic player as well at the World Cup,” the Dutch legend added.

Gullit also highlighted Ousmane Dembélé as a strong candidate. The PSG forward is currently listed among the leading favourites for the award, alongside England internationals Harry Kane and Declan Rice. Dembélé’s prolific form in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season has placed him at the forefront of early projections.

Yamal, who turned 17 in July 2025, attracted widespread Ballon d’Or discussion following a remarkable breakout season that included a starring role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. His age and talent have drawn considerable attention, but Gullit’s assessment reflects a broader view among football observers that Champions League success remains a near-essential criterion for winning the award in the modern era.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, adds a significant variable to the Ballon d’Or conversation. The tournament runs from June to July 2026, meaning performances on that stage will heavily influence the final vote. Gullit’s suggestion that Yamal could re-enter contention with a strong World Cup showing aligns with how the award has historically factored in international tournament results in years where both competitions overlap.

Gullit himself won the Ballon d’Or in 1987 and remains one of the most respected voices in European football. His comments add to a growing debate around the 2026 award, with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard also recently naming a preferred candidate. The official Ballon d’Or ceremony, organised by France Football, typically takes place in the autumn following the conclusion of the relevant football season.