Barcelona sporting director Deco says there should be no discussion around the winner of the 2026 Ballon dOr and also outlined his anger at the omission of two Blaugrana favourites among the 30 contenders. The shortlist was revealed on Tuesday with Barca winger Lamine Yamal one of the favourites after a brilliant season that, although derailed towards the end by injury, saw him play a pivotal role as the Catalan giants retained La Liga.The 19-year-old then helped Spain win the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Deco believes those achievements place him above the likes of Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.He told RAC 1: Lamine should be the favourite for the Ballon dOr. For me, no discussion. Remember everything hes done with Bara and the national team. Hes had some decisive moments, even going to the World Cup with an injury. Last season was key.Its like when [former Barcelona winger] Leo [Messi] won and Leo was the best.Table of ContentsDeco angry at omission of Pedri and RaphinhaThe full list of nominees for the mens 2026 Ballon dOr awardHow does the voting for the Ballon dOr work?Which players have won the mens award previously?When will the award be handed out?Deco angry at omission of Pedri and RaphinhaDeco could not hide his irritation when asked about the non-inclusion of two more Barca players Pedri and Raphinha describing it as a world scandal.He added: I dont understand the lists and how they are made, but there are injustices in the awards.That Pedri is not in for his talent, like Raphinha, is difficult to see.Barca did have a couple of other players on the shortlist Pau Cubars and new signing Rodri and president Joan Laporta expressed his delight on Wednesday at recognition of the clubs achievements.Bara is a unique club and proof of this is in these nominations. We are very proud, Laporta said. The players we have must be grateful to Barcelona Football Club for what it gives them. I will be immensely happy if a Bara player wins.On Yamal, he added: Hes spectacular. He has an exceptional quality, he is a genius and I think his nomination for the Ballon dOr is more than deserved. He has a maturity for his age, [thats] fantastic. I feel bad when you talk about the nominations that neither Pedri nor Raphinha are nominated. I think they have also madea case; for their quality they deserved to be nominated.The full list of nominees for the mens 2026 Ballon dOr awardJude Bellingham (Real Madrid)Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid)Ousmane Dembele (PSG)Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)Erling Haaland (Manchester City)Gabriel (Arsenal)Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)Achraf Hakimi (PSG)Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)Marquinhos (PSG)Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)Nuno Mendes (PSG)Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)Joao Neves (PSG)Willian Pacho (PSG)Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah)Declan Rice (Arsenal)Rodri (Barcelona)Fabian Ruiz (PSG)Ferran Torres (PSG)William Saliba (Arsenal)Dayor Upamecano (Bayern Munich)Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)Vitinha (PSG)How does the voting for the Ballon dOr work?The 30-player shortlist for the main awards is voted for by a panel of journalists from France Football and LEquipe.One journalist from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings then votes for their top 10 from each list with each position afforded a certain number of points.First Place: 15 pointsSecond Place: 12 pointsThird place: 10 pointsFourth place: 8 pointsFifth place: 7 pointsSixth place: 5 pointsSeventh place: 4 pointsEighth place: 3 pointsNinth place: 2 pointsTenth place: 1 pointWhich players have won the mens award previously?2025: Ousmane Dembele2024:Rodri2023:Lionel Messi2022:Karim Benzema2021:Lionel Messi2019:Lionel MessiWhen will the award be handed out?The ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26 in London. Topics FC Barcelona Lamine Yamal Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Flick proud of Barcelona identity and says he is really enjoying Camp Nou reign Tom Rostance 9th September, 2026 Barcelona 5-1 Feyenoord: Barca continue perfect start with Champions League win Tom Rostance 9th September, 2026 Raphinha drives Barcelona into early Champions League lead Tom Rostance 9th September, 2026 LIVE Barcelona v Feyenoord: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 9th September, 2026 Barcelona v Feyenoord: Teams confirmed for early Champions League clash Tom Rostance 9th September, 2026 Barcelona chief Laporta warns Real Madrid boss Mourinho not to overstep the mark in criticism of referees Jon Fisher 9th September, 2026
