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Former Nigeria captain John Mikel Obi has tipped Spanish teenage winger Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Ball award for the best player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking on his Obi One podcast, Mikel praised Yamal’s confidence and superb performances, saying: “He’s just amazing.
The way he plays, the confidence he plays with, everything he does is just superb.” Yamal, who recovered from a hamstring injury, is expected to be fit for Spain’s opener against Cape Verde on June 15.
Key Points:
A legendary Nigerian midfielder endorsing a Spanish teenager highlights cross‑generational respect.
Yamal’s recovery from a severe hamstring injury boosts Spain’s attacking options.
Winning the Golden Ball would make Yamal one of the youngest recipients in World Cup history.
Mikel’s prediction adds to growing hype around the 18‑year‑old Barcelona star.
Spain’s group stage (Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay) offers Yamal a platform to shine.
Yamal will aim to justify Mikel’s faith when Spain begin their World Cup campaign on June 15.
Sources: Complete Sports (Obi One podcast)
