De la Fuente: Barcelona's stance saddened me, and the 2030 final must be played in Spain

Is Morocco the most deserving of this honour?

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has named the player he believes should lift this year's Ballon d'Or.

Pressed on the Ballon d'Or race between Rodri and Lamine Yamal, De la Fuente told a press conference: "Both are Spanish and I will give the award to a Spanish player. I see that they have both done what deserves to win it and they have the talent to earn this honour."

Would it be unfair not to stage the World Cup final in Spain, and did he fear political interference? De la Fuente replied: "My opinion, which is what I can control, is that the final should be held in Spain for many reasons. There is still plenty of time, and my belief is that FIFA will value the good things that Spain offers in terms of infrastructure and stadiums, and at present I have no doubt that the final should be played in Spain."

Any worries after being crowned world champions? De la Fuente was clear: "The only thing that worries me is the players' fitness and being able to rely on them. As soon as the final match ended, within two or three minutes, one of the players came to me and said: What is left for us to win? So I answered him: the England match on 26 September."

"This team does not stop," he added. "Winning the World Cup is not enough for us and we have to be better, and what we have achieved is not enough to win the next match, and I have no doubt or concern other than that everyone is ready and healthy."

Eight of his champions cannot receive their honours because of Barcelona's refusal. De la Fuente admitted: "I feel sad because this honour does not happen often, but they celebrate a great deal because they are appreciated wherever they go, and if you are not honoured at home then you will be honoured somewhere else."