Luis Milla Tips Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d'Or and Praises Raphinha

The Ballon d'Or race is entering its final stretch and the debate is heating up. Como midfielder Luis Milla spoke on Thursday about who should lift the trophy at the ceremony taking place on October 26 in London. The former Spain international is clear about his choice: Lamine Yamal is his favorite, while also recognizing Fabián Ruiz as the most consistent performer in terms of titles and level, and expressing deep admiration for Raphinha.

• Luis Milla would give the Ballon d'Or to Lamine Yamal for his flair, his age and the incredible things he does on the pitch.
• The Como midfielder sees Fabián Ruiz as the best based on trophies and consistency, but admits there is no clear-cut winner.
• Milla speaks glowingly about Raphinha, calling him a complete player, though he notes the Brazilian is not among the candidates.
• Lamine Yamal heads to the ceremony after winning the World Cup with Spain and La Liga with Barcelona.
• Raphinha is enjoying a historic start to the season with a dominant Barcelona side.

Why Luis Milla Would Pick Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d'Or

Lamine Yamal arrives at the London ceremony with two major titles in his cabinet: the World Cup won with Spain and the La Liga title claimed with Barcelona. At 19, the winger has become one of the three most talked-about candidates for the award, alongside Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane. For Luis Milla, that status is fully deserved.

For me, Lamine winning the Ballon d'Or at 19 would be spectacular. And I believe he deserves it.

Speaking on El Larguero, the Como midfielder acknowledged that no candidate has produced a season so dominant that it leaves no room for doubt. Still, if the decision were up to him, the trophy would go to the Spanish international. Not just because of the silverware, but because of the visual impact of his game, the freshness of his age, and the feeling that fans are witnessing something truly rare.

Fabián Ruiz, the Quiet Candidate Who Shines Through Trophies and Consistency

Milla also brought up a name that does not always make the headlines: Fabián Ruiz. The Andalusian, a key piece for both PSG and the Spanish national team, is in the former midfielder's view the most complete footballer when looking strictly at titles and level. A solid body of work that, however, has not translated into clear favorite status in a edition without an obvious winner.

Raphinha, the Player Milla Loves Without Being a Candidate

The Brazilian is not on the list of Ballon d'Or candidates, but his start to the season with Barcelona has been nothing short of historic. Raphinha is leading a dominant team enjoying its best opening in a long time, and his influence has not gone unnoticed by Milla.

I really enjoy watching Raphinha, a very complete player who makes his teammates better. But he is not a candidate.

That gap between actual performance and absence from the shortlists is something the Como midfielder pointed out naturally. He loves watching him play and believes he elevates those around him, but the reality of the candidate list is what it is.

Where the Ballon d'Or Race Stands Less Than a Month Before the Ceremony

The October 26 ceremony in London will determine who succeeds the last winner. The prevailing feeling is that this edition has no dominant frontrunner, with several contenders separated by fine margins. Lamine Yamal, Mbappé and Harry Kane attract most of the attention, while players like Fabián Ruiz push to enter the conversation with strong arguments.

Lamine Yamal himself has already made his position public: he believes he deserves the award ahead of Mbappé. A statement of intent that adds even more intrigue to what promises to be one of the most open ceremonies in recent years.