Gabriel Jesus has backed Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after the teenager’s outstanding start to the season.

Jesus joined Barcelona from Arsenal during the summer and opened his account for the club in a 5–1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord at Camp Nou. The Brazilian came off the bench and scored Barcelona’s fifth goal with a header just two minutes after entering the match.

Raphinha scored twice for Barcelona, while Karim Adeyemi and Yamal were also on the scoresheet. Yamal added two assists, including the delivery for Jesus’s first Barcelona goal, and became the youngest player in the club’s history to captain the side after receiving the armband from Raphinha.

Asked whether Yamal should win football’s biggest individual prize, Jesus gave an emphatic response.

“Yes, for sure,” Jesus said. “Based on his football and the season, I think Lamine is in a position to win it.”

The endorsement follows another exceptional year for Yamal, who has become one of Barcelona’s most influential players while also helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup. The 19-year-old is among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or, alongside Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and other leading names from across Europe.

Yamal has already said he believes he deserves the award after winning major trophies with Barcelona and Spain. Jesus’s support adds to the growing backing for the winger, whose performances continue to combine end product, creativity and leadership beyond his age.