Samuel Eto’o’s Lamine Yamal endorsement sparks Ballon d’Or debate

Samuel Eto’o has named Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal as his choice to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, prompting criticism from some supporters who believe the former Cameroon striker should have backed an African nominee.

Eto’o, who is president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, made his position clear in a social media post on Thursday evening. The former Barcelona forward shared an image of the 19-year-old Spain international and wrote:

“Ballon d’Or of our hearts. Genius, bold, talented... Good luck in this Ballon d’Or race. But, whatever the verdict, one thing is already certain: just like Ousmane, you are already the Ballon d’Or of our hearts. Continue to make us dream.”

Yamal is among the 30 players nominated for the prestigious award and has a strong statistical and team record from the 2025-26 season.

The Barcelona forward played 57 matches, scoring 25 goals and providing 20 assists. His honours during the campaign included a World Cup, the Spanish Championship and the Spanish Super Cup.

Eto’o’s endorsement, however, has divided football supporters online. Several fans questioned why a figure who is widely seen as defending African interests in football would choose a Spanish player rather than one of the African nominees.

For some, the case is strengthened by George Weah’s status as the only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or.

Hakimi and Mane among African nominees

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is one of the African players shortlisted for the 2026 award. The 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain player made 49 appearances in the 2025-26 season, scoring four goals and contributing 17 assists.

Hakimi also received six yellow cards and one red card during the campaign. His honours included the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup.

Senegal forward Sadio Mane is another African nominee. The 34-year-old Al-Nassr player featured in 55 matches, scoring 24 goals and registering 13 assists. He was shown eight yellow cards and one red card.

Mane also won the Africa Cup of Nations during the same period.

Those figures have been cited by supporters who believe Eto’o should have highlighted one of the African candidates. The debate has placed his public backing of Yamal alongside the performances and achievements of Hakimi and Mane, both of whom are included among the 30 nominees.