Former Real Madrid defender overlooks Lamine Yamal in surprising Ballon d’Or choice

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal may be one of the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or, but not everyone sees it that way.

Former Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia believes another Spain team-mate deserves the award ahead of the Barcelona superstar.

According to Defensa Central, Garcia was asked about the Ballon d’Or during international duty and selected Fabian Ruiz.

Garcia chooses Fabian over Lamine

Fran made it clear that he considers Lamine among the finest players in world football.

“Is Lamine Yamal the best player in the world? Yes, for me he’s one of the best, without a doubt,” Garcia said.

However, that was not enough to earn Lamine his vote.

“Would I give him the Ballon d’Or? I already said it this week… For me, if I had to decide, I’d choose Fabian for the last year he’s had at PSG and at the World Cup, being important for both his club and the national team.”

Garcia believes the difference comes down to how the two players influence matches.

Lamine is a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Even though he’s not as flashy a player as Lamine, in the end he makes a difference,” he added.

Lamine’s case remains difficult to ignore

Fabian’s performances deserve recognition, particularly after playing an important role for both PSG and Spain.

From a Barcelona perspective, however, Lamine is not merely a spectacular player, and his influence is much more prominent than Fabian’s.

The 19-year-old has developed into a central figure for both Barcelona and Spain, carrying enormous creative responsibility while also producing goals and assists at a remarkable rate.

Limiting him to the word “flashy” would do an injustice to the incredible impact he has made in the last 12 months.

With due respect to Fabian Ruiz, Lamine should be ahead of him for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)

What makes Lamine a serious Ballon d’Or candidate is that those actions increasingly decide matches.

Lamine should be the favourite to win the award

Despite Fran Garcia’s endorsement of Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal should be the favourite to win the award.

It is not often that a teenager has the season he did for Barcelona and then Spain at the World Cup.

Although other players like Harry Kane may provide immense competition for the award, Lamine has a proper case.

It remains to be seen what the voters eventually decide and whether the Barcelona man becomes the youngest player to lift the Ballon d’Or on 26 October.