Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has reportedly chartered a private jet to transport his family and close friends to London for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he is among the nominees for football’s most prestigious individual award.
According to reports published on Thursday, October 22, 2026, by Spanish media outlets, including Mundo Deportivo, the 19-year-old Spain international has arranged to travel separately from Barcelona’s official delegation for the ceremony scheduled for Monday, October 26, at the London Palladium Theatre.
Spanish radio station Cadena COPE reported that Yamal booked the aircraft to ensure that those closest to him could accompany him to the event.
The travelling party is expected to include his parents, other relatives, friends and members of his management team. The flight is reportedly scheduled to depart for London on Monday morning.
Yamal's decision to make independent travel arrangements means he will not accompany Barcelona's official delegation, which is expected to be led by club president Joan Laporta.
The young forward is among the nominees for the men's Ballon d’Or following another season of high-profile performances for Barcelona and Spain.
He finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting behind Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé but received the Kopa Trophy, awarded to an outstanding young player.
Reports indicate that Yamal made similar arrangements for the previous ceremony in Paris, preparing to celebrate with family and friends if he won the main award.
However, Dembélé emerged as the winner, leaving the Barcelona winger to return home without the senior prize.
The 2026 ceremony will mark the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded to English footballer Stanley Matthews in 1956.
For the first time, London will host the ceremony, with organisers choosing the English capital to commemorate the award's anniversary.
Several other Barcelona players have also received nominations across different categories, ensuring a significant club presence at the event.
Although reports indicate that Yamal has arranged private travel, neither the cost of the chartered aircraft nor the total number of people accompanying him has been publicly confirmed.
The winners will be announced during Monday's ceremony, with the final decisions determined through the award's established voting process.
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