Speaking in an interview with Cadena COPE, the Madrid-born forward shared his perspective on the leading contenders for world football's most prestigious individual accolade. Morata, who has embarked on a fresh chapter of his career in the Segunda Division with Leganes, believes domestic Spanish talent thoroughly deserves the highest recognition. The experienced forward did not hesitate to place Yamal alongside established stars such as Rodri, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Kylian Mbappe.
SOPA Images'Truly incredible!' - Alvaro Morata backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or glory after witnessing Barcelona star 'dominating Europe' at just 16
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
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BuzziMorata lauds extreme maturity
Morata emphasised that the teenage winger's relentless work ethic and professional approach often go unnoticed by the wider footballing public. Praising the youngster's football intelligence, Morata stated: "He is much smarter and far more hard-working than many people think, in terms of how he studies matches and how he prepares for them."
The former La Roja skipper also recalled the lasting impression he witnessed first-hand during the youngster's early emergence, adding: "He was dominating Europe at 16 years of age, and what I have seen with my own eyes is truly incredible."
Avalon.redLondon gala awaits verdict
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or will be officially unveiled during a glittering ceremony in London on October 26. Yamal's inclusion on the 30-man shortlist reinforces his status as a frontrunner to claim the coveted Golden Ball. Until that decisive night arrives, the young forward will aim to maintain his form across domestic and European fronts with Barcelona.
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