The "Golden Ball" this season is a very big dilemma, as it is difficult to talk about an absolute favorite. The difference between the candidates is not very big since this year there was also the World Cup in between. A very big debate was also produced by the preliminary list with the 30 players included, where what immediately stood out was the absence of players like Raphinha, who had a super season with Barça, but also of Pedro, players who won La Liga, but also the "FIFA2026" World Cup, although he was not at his maximum level. It is precisely their omission that has brought a strong reaction from Barcelona:

"It's a global scandal. I don't understand that list at all, I don't understand how the candidacies are selected ," said Deco, Barcelona's sporting director.

Deco was then asked about a relationship with Lamine Yamal. On this point, the Barça director has no doubts:

"I have no doubt. Yamal deserves the Ballon d'Or. He won the World Cup, had important moments with Barcelona, ​​was decisive for us. He has grown a lot as a player. Of course, everyone supports their players, but this is not the case. I am not saying these words because Yamal is a Barcelona player. For me he is the best player, he fully deserves the Ballon d'Or," said Deco.