Leão backs Yamal for Ballon d’Or after Istanbul Champions League clash

Leão backs Yamal for Ballon d’Or

Rafael Leão has publicly backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or, praising the Barcelona forward after the pair’s most recent Champions League meeting in Istanbul.

Speaking after the match at RAMS Park, the Galatasaray forward said: “I hope Lamine wins the Ballon d’Or.”

Leão added that Yamal, 19, is already operating at an elite level despite his age. “At 19 years old, Yamal is already among the best in the world and can help Barcelona achieve great things,” he said.

Barcelona travelled to Istanbul for Matchday 2 of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League League Phase and came from behind to secure a comfortable win, continuing an attacking run that has seen the club score heavily since the international break.

The comments come as Barcelona’s goal machine rolls on under Hansi Flick, with the side once again conceding first at Galatasaray before ending up comfortable winners. The run has also been marked by a series of comebacks under Flick.