Samuel Umtiti condemns Ballon d’Or 2026 debate

Samuel Umtiti has criticised the growing public debate over the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that players are putting personal recognition ahead of collective achievements. The former France, Lyon and Barcelona defender said the discussion was damaging football’s team-focused identity.

Umtiti questioned Kylian Mbappe’s decision to present himself as a serious candidate after highlighting his goals and records. He acknowledged Mbappe’s strong performances but said the France forward should concentrate on his work on the pitch rather than identify himself as his own choice for the award.

The 30-player shortlist includes Mbappe and nine members of the Paris Saint-Germain team that won the Champions League. Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 winner, believes the prize should remain at PSG, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has pointed to Spain’s World Cup success. Umtiti also challenged the inclusion of Mexico forward Quinones, who scored four goals before Mexico’s last-16 elimination.

The 2018 world champion said attackers place too much importance on the award and that statistics alone should not decide it. The ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London. Umtiti said he has not followed the prize since the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era, when exceptional numbers were accompanied by major titles, and believes there is no similarly clear standout now.