Ghana’s Ballon d’Or juror Michael Oti Adjei has defended his decision to place Lamine Yamal third in his rankings, insisting the Barcelona forward was not in the same class as Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane during the season under consideration.

Erica Odeenyin Odoom

Published 2 Nov 2026, 13:56 GMT

2 min read

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Mbappe, Kane were ahead of Yamal in Ballon d’Or race – Oti Adjei

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Speaking on Sports Daily on TV3, Oti Adjei said his assessment was based on individual performances rather than the number of trophies won, arguing that the contest was between Mbappe and Kane.

“At no point did I consider Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world in the season under consideration. It was very clear in my mind that between Kane and Mbappe, Yamal was not in that class yet,” he said.

He pointed to Barcelona’s Champions League performance and Yamal’s influence in Spain’s World Cup triumph as factors that influenced his decision.

“Spain won the World Cup all right, but even Yamal himself would admit that he was not the most decisive factor in that,” Oti Adjei added.

The Ghanaian juror also rejected suggestions that trophies should be the primary consideration in the voting process, citing Fabian Ruiz as an example of why team success should not automatically determine individual recognition.

“If that was the case, then Fabian Ruiz would have been the best player in the world. I didn't even put him in the top 10 because Fabian Ruiz was a good team member of three very functional teams. It doesn't make him the most outstanding player in the world,” he explained.

Ruiz won the World Cup, Champions League and French Ligue 1 during the season under consideration.

Despite placing Yamal third, Oti Adjei was full of praise for the teenager, acknowledging his influence at Barcelona and his ability to produce decisive moments.

“I still consider him a really, really top talent. That's why he was in the top three. He has significant impact on games.

"He was the best player in La Liga as well. Barcelona won the Premier League. He comes up with the goods when required,” he said.

He maintained that while Yamal has exceptional talent, his performances during the particular season did not put him ahead of Mbappe and Kane in the Ballon d’Or race.

Oti Adjei’s final top three rankings had Kylian Mbappe in first place, Harry Kane second and Lamine Yamal third in hisBallon d’Or voting.

Erica Odeenyin Odoom

Mbappe and Kane Ahead of Yamal in Ballon d'Or Race – Oti Adjei

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