Ballon d’Or 2026: Yamal charters private jet for London ceremony

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has reportedly chartered a private jet to travel to London for Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony alongside his family and close friends. The 19-year-old is expected to be among the major attractions at the ceremony, where he will compete for football’s most prestigious individual award after finishing second in the previous edition.

According to Spanish journalist Víctor Navarro, Yamal has made private travel arrangements to ensure his closest supporters can accompany him to the event, opting not to travel with Barcelona’s official delegation. The decision will allow the Spain international to share the occasion with family members and friends who have supported his rise to prominence in world football.

Yamal has established himself as one of the leading young players in the game following his impressive performances for Barcelona and Spain, earning recognition among the contenders for major individual honours. Monday’s ceremony presents another opportunity for the winger to add to his growing list of achievements, having already secured the Kopa Trophy as the best young player at the previous Ballon d’Or event.

At the previous ceremony in Paris, Yamal finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé taking home the award. Yamal had reportedly made arrangements for a celebration with family and friends ahead of that ceremony in anticipation of winning the prize, but ultimately missed out on the top honour. Despite the disappointment, the Barcelona star’s performances have kept him among the leading contenders for football’s biggest individual awards.