Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has named Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the Golden Ball award at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the Barcelona teenager's extraordinary confidence and quality on the ball.

Speaking on his Obi One podcast, Mikel was emphatic in his admiration for the Spanish winger. "I have to go with Lamine Yamal," he said. "He's just amazing. The way he plays, the confidence he plays with, everything he does is just superb."

Mikel added that both he and football fans worldwide are eager to see Yamal shine on the biggest stage. "I think me and every football fan are looking forward to watching him again, and I think he will be great again," he said.

Recovery on track for opener

Yamal's participation in the tournament had been in doubt after he sustained a left hamstring injury on April 22 during a LaLiga fixture, forcing him to miss the closing weeks of Barcelona's season. However, the Spain squad has received an encouraging update — the 17-year-old has returned to full team training and is progressing well ahead of the competition.

Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed strong optimism about Yamal's fitness, indicating that the winger is on course to feature in Spain's opening group-stage match against Cape Verde on June 15, provided no further setbacks arise.

Spain will then face Saudi Arabia on June 21 before completing their group-stage campaign against Uruguay on June 26.