Ruud Gullit Names Player Who Won’t Win the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Former Chelsea star Ruud Gullit has stated that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or this year, citing his absence from the Champions League final as a key factor.

Speaking to Goal, the Dutch legend argued that Paris Saint‑Germain players Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha are stronger contenders because they will appear in the Champions League final.

“Yamal cannot win that [Ballon d’Or] this time anyway,” Gullit said. “He has not been in the Champions League final. He needs to excel at the World Cup to be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.”

“So who else is in the Champions League final who comes close this year? [Ousmane] Dembélé. He has already won it.”

“For me, one of the best is Vitinha. He is the engine of PSG’s midfield and could be a fantastic player as well at the World Cup.”