Eric Garcia has revealed his picks for the 2026 Ballon d’Or and thinks that Lamine Yamal should win the prize, with Raphinha and Pedri behind as the runners-up.
Yamal is one of the favorites to lift the trophy next month and has said that he thinks he deserves to win it over Kylian Mbappe.
Eric agrees and also thinks Raphinha and Pedri should be in the conversation, adding that it’s “unbelievable” the two players were not among the final nominees.
“For me, the podium should be Barça: Lamine, Pedri and
Raphinha. Without a doubt, Lamine has to win, but that Raphinha and Pedri are not there seems incredible to me,” he added.
Garcia also had some words of praise for Hansi Flick and explained how the German coach has helped to turn his career around.
“He gave me incredible confidence, even at the beginning, when I wasn’t coming in. This year he is more demanding, we have changed the way we work in the gym,” he added.
“I didn’t even imagine playing in so many positions. He made me see that I could do it and told me that I looked more like a right-back.”
Garcia has emerged as Barca’s first choice right-back currently, getting the nod ahead of Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo.
