Obviously, if the vote for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, rewarding the best player of last season, was organized in Spain, a large part of the 2026 world champions would be among the nominees and the winner would be Rodri or Lamine Yamal. “A Spanish footballer should win the Ballon d’Or this year. I still support the ‘made in Spain’ »launched Luis de la Fuente, the coach of this Roja now reigning European and world champion.
Questioned during a press conference, the Spanish technician, who is obviously nominated for the title of best coach of the season, cried foul by mentioning the absence of Mikel Oyarzabal from the 30 nominees. The Real Sociedad striker, winner of the Copa del Rey with his Basque club, was one of the strong men of the Seleccion at the World Cup 26. He finished with five goals (the highest total of a Spaniard at a World Cup with Emilio Butragueño and David Villa), scoring a double against Austria in the 16th and against the Blues (from a penalty) in the semi-finals.
Oyarzabal, the other absent from the 2026 Ballon d’Or
“Honestly, I would say that Mikel Oyarzabal is missing. Whoever was supposed to write the names must have dropped their application on the floor and they didn’t include it.”laughed Luis de la Fuente. Raphinha’s absence has already caused a scandal at Barcelona, but Oyarzabal’s is indeed not very wise. The jury composed of
France Football included Julian Quinones. The Mexican winger, author of four goals at the World Cup – but who plays in Saudi Arabia – has certainly not had a better season than the Spain striker.
The coach’s statement made headlines in the Spanish press and Yangel Herrera, Oyarzabal’s teammate at the San Sebastian club, hit the nail on the head: “He should have been there. He had a great year, won a major title with us, went to the World Cup, was very important for the world champions and deserved to be nominated. »
