Luis de la Fuente, surprised by an absence in the Ballon d'Or

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13/09/26 21:00:00

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Latest News in Spain. Luis de la Fuente questioned the absence of Mikel Oyarzabal, the 29-year-old forward from Real Sociedad, among the 30 candidates for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The Spanish coach believes that a Spanish player should win the award and pointed to the Real captain as a difficult omission to explain.

Luis de la Fuente focuses on Oyarzabal

The list published by France Football on September 8 includes six Spanish players: Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Fabián Ruiz, Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí, and Ferran Torres. Oyarzabal, despite being part of the World Cup-winning team, is not among the candidates.

Luis de la Fuente spoke out on September 10 during the presentation of the Nations League match against the Czech Republic, stating that the award should go to a Spanish player. Upon reviewing the list, he specifically mentioned Oyarzabal as the missing name.

The argument is supported by the forward's performances during the World Cup. Oyarzabal, one of Barcelona's considered options for the attack this past summer, played in all 8 gamesfor Spain, accumulating 601 minutes and scoring 5 goals, including one in the group stage against Saudi Arabia and two against Austria.

Additionally, the attacker started in the final against Argentina on July 19 but was substituted in the 62nd minute by Ferran Torres. Spain went on to win 1-0 in extra time, securing their second World Cup.

🇪🇸 Luis de la Fuente on the Ballon d'Or

🏆 "In my opinion, it should be won by a Spanish player"

👀 "At first glance, Mikel Oyarzabal is missing from that list"

📹 @pabloacebocope

📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.com/6KtpraGoo8

— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) September 10, 2026

Spain has six candidates, but Oyarzabal is missing

The absence is more striking within a team that has placed six players on the final list of 30 nominees. Oyarzabal started in seven of the eight World Cup matches and ended as one of Spain's top scorers during the tournament.

The context of Real Sociedad also weighs in. Oyarzabal was instrumental during the club season and scored in the Copa del Rey final, while his performances with Spain further boosted his candidacy. AS reports 18 goals with his club during the season and highlights his role in the cup-winning campaign.

De la Fuente also did not rule out Lamine Yamal as a Spanish candidate. The coach believes that the Barcelona player can win the Ballon d'Or and mentioned that his time might come even if not in 2026.

The voting will now enter its final phase. The winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or will be announced on October 26 in London, with Rodri and Lamine Yamal among Spain's main representatives and Oyarzabal already out of the official race.

The debate on Luis de la Fuente and Mikel Oyarzabal will continue until that date, but the coach has already stated his position: for him, Spain's World Cup victory and the forward's 5 goals justify, at the very least, his presence among the 30 candidates.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Luis de la Fuente, sorprendido con una ausencia en el Balón de Oro