Morocco representative's choices: did Yamal pay the price for picking Spain in the Ballon d'Or vote?
Moroccan roots and a Spanish shirt: how did the representative of the Arab country deal with the Barcelona star?
Despite his Moroccan roots and his choice to represent the Spanish national team, the Moroccan journalist did not hand Lamine Yamal top spot in his 2026 Ballon d'Or vote. He went instead for his compatriot Achraf Hakimi in first place, with the Barcelona star down in third, according to details revealed by "France Football" magazine.
That choice shines a fresh light on Yamal's story with both Spain and Morocco. The young player made his call in September 2023 to represent Spain, the country where he was born and grew up as a footballer, despite Morocco's interest in luring him through his father's Moroccan roots.
Yamal had made his wish to play for Spain plain. He pointed out that he had worn the shirt through the age groups from the under-15 side, and that his dream was to win the biggest titles with "La Roja".
His decision came as the Moroccan federation pushed to convince him to turn out for the Atlas Lions. The player chose to carry on with Spain, going on to become one of the team's most prominent stars and helping them to European Championship glory, alongside everything else he has achieved with them.
Hakimi first, Mbappé second and Yamal third
According to the Spanish newspaper "AS", the Moroccan journalist's list had Achraf Hakimi on top, followed by France's Kylian Mbappé in second and Lamine Yamal third. The vote reflects a clear preference for the Moroccan Paris Saint-Germain star, without shutting the Barcelona talent out of the top three.
Hakimi was the only Moroccan player to top his country's representative's vote. Yamal came third, mirroring his third place in the overall Ballon d'Or standings, where he tallied 881 points behind England's Harry Kane and France's Kylian Mbappé.
So Yamal did not slip out of the Moroccan journalist's calculations. He just did not earn the top spot, which went to Hakimi. It is one of the striking details to emerge from the full voter lists in the 2026 Ballon d'Or race.
