Nineteen-year-old football player Lamine Yamal stated he deserves the Ballon d'Or this year following his victories in the Spanish title last season and the World Cup this summer. Speaking about the award, where Harry Kane is the odds-on favourite, Yamal said: "I think I deserve it this year, because of what I've won." He added: "For me, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world. For me, it's clear, and everyone who watches the matches knows it."

Who is Ines Garcia?

Ines Garcia is a 21-year-old lifestyle and fashion influencer originating from Seville. As of October 26, she has 4.2 million followers on TikTok and 4.8 million on Instagram. Her content focuses on travel, fashion, and lifestyle, featuring brand partnerships with Women's Secret, AliExpress, and Yepoda, alongside posts with her boyfriend Lamine Yamal. Ines also released her own dress collection named Coco through a partnership with Closet Barcelona.

Dating rumours regarding the Barcelona and Spain player began when they vacationed together in Greece during April 2026. Observers spotted them dining together before viral photos showed them holding hands. On May 20, 2026, they made their relationship official by arriving hand in hand at the end-of-season dinner in Barcelona, and they also attended a Bad Bunny concert in the city.

In July 2026, Ines explained to her followers how they met, stating: "Here's the real story: Three, two, one... social media." Addressing when they connected, she noted: "People started seeing us together when we went to Greece. I've known Lamine for a lot longer than that. Not quite three years, but a good deal more months than people realise, even now."

Who else has Lamine Yamal dated?

Alex Padilla was Yamal's first confirmed girlfriend. She appeared with Yamal on the Berlin podium after Spain defeated England in the Euro 2024 final on July 14, 2024, where he gave her his winners' medal and best young player award for photos. They attended the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai together before breaking up in February 2025 amid online infidelity rumours concerning Padilla. Padilla denied the claims, stating on a livestream: "If I were to speak... the world will fall apart."

Yamal subsequently dated Argentine singer Nicki Nicole. They made their relationship public in late August 2025 at Nicole's 25th birthday celebration, roughly a month after photographers spotted them kissing at a nightclub. Nicole has put out four albums and received nine Latin Grammy nominations. Yamal confirmed their breakup on the Spanish television programme D Corazon on November 1, 2025, stating: "We are not together, but it has not been because of any infidelity. We have simply separated and that's it." Nicole verified the split through journalist Jordi Martin, confirming no infidelity occurred.