The debate over the next Ballon d’Or continues to ignite the football world. After Spain’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup, discussions have intensified about who deserves the most prestigious individual award. Two former legends of world football, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović, have taken completely opposing stances. The former French striker believes Lamine Yamal has had the most complete season and deserves recognition, while the Swedish ex-scorer thinks Lionel Messi remains, despite the years, the best player on the planet.
For Thierry Henry, Lamine Yamal’s performances throughout the season leave no room for doubt. At just 19 years old, the Spanish prodigy has impressed with his maturity, influence in big matches, and key role in winning the World Cup with La Roja. According to the 1998 World Cup champion, the young winger has stepped up at every crucial moment of the season and now possesses all the qualities expected of a future Ballon d’Or winner.
Henry: “For me, it’s Lamine Yamal without hesitation. He’s had an incredible season, won the World Cup, shone in the biggest matches, and picked up several Man of the Match awards along the way. If a young player can perform like that on the biggest stage of football, then he deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
In response to this analysis, Zlatan Ibrahimović completely disagrees. True to his blunt style, the former AC Milan striker believes Lionel Messi remains the world number one. For him, the Argentine continues to perform at an exceptional level despite his age and is still the player who influences the biggest matches the most. Zlatan thinks many are trying to deny Messi another Ballon d’Or simply because he has already won several.
Zlatan: “No. There’s no reason Messi shouldn’t win the Ballon d’Or. Look at what he continues to do at his age. He carries Argentina, decides the biggest matches, and makes football look easy. People keep trying to find excuses not to give it to him because they’re tired of seeing him win.”
The debate then continued around the criteria for awarding the Ballon d’Or. Thierry Henry reminds us that this distinction rewards performances over a season, not an entire career. For him, Lamine Yamal’s exceptional journey in 2026 perfectly fits this logic.
Henry: “The Ballon d’Or isn’t a career award. It rewards the player who has had the best season, and Yamal has earned it.”
Zlatan Ibrahimović, on the other hand, believes the best player should always be recognized, regardless of age or accolades. According to the Swede, Lionel Messi continues to embody absolute excellence, and no one has clearly surpassed him on the pitch.
Zlatan: “Messi doesn’t need your sympathy or your votes. If he’s the best player, he wins it. End of story. Age doesn’t score goals, trophies don’t dribble defenders, and popularity doesn’t win matches. It’s Messi who does that.”
🚨 Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović arguing over who should win the Ballon d’Or:
Henry: “For me, it’s Lamine Yamal without hesitation. He’s had an incredible season, won the World Cup, delivered in the biggest games, and picked up multiple Man of the Match awards along the… pic.twitter.com/DMm5TcuUFB
— 𝗠𝗕𝗥. (@absolutkylian) July 19, 2026
In conclusion, Thierry Henry emphasized that a historic season like Lamine Yamal’s deserves recognition. Zlatan, for his part, remains firm in his belief: as long as no one proves beyond doubt that they are superior to Lionel Messi, the Ballon d’Or should go to the Argentine.
Henry: “I respect Messi, but if Yamal doesn’t win it after a season like this, then what more does a player have to do?”
Zlatan: “Be better than Messi. As long as someone isn’t clearly better, the Ballon d’Or belongs to him.”
