In Seville, where the Reyes Cup presentation brought together figures from across Spanish football, Espanyol sporting director Monchi found himself at the centre of an unexpected local storm after naming Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as his choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Key takeaways
- Monchi selected Lamine Yamal when asked to choose between the Barcelona winger, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
- The answer upset sections of Espanyol’s support because of the club’s rivalry with Barcelona.
- Espanyol’s sporting director later apologised publicly for causing offence.
- He said his decision was driven by backing the Spanish candidate, rather than any intention to disrespect Espanyol fans.
A Seville answer reaches Barcelona’s rival camp
Monchi made the original remark during the launch event for the V Reyes Cup in Seville. Asked who should receive the 2026 Ballon d’Or, he opted for Yamal ahead of France captain Mbappé and England forward Kane.
The choice quickly prompted criticism among Espanyol supporters, for whom Barcelona’s young star is an especially sensitive name. Monchi, who has taken up the sporting director’s role at the Barcelona club after his long spell building squads at Sevilla, addressed the reaction later on El Larguero.
He acknowledged that his reply had created controversy among the Pericos and offered an apology to anyone offended. Monchi said the question had presented him with a Frenchman, an Englishman and a Spaniard, and he had simply chosen the Spanish player.
Monchi stresses his connection with Espanyol
He accepted that, as an Espanyol figure, he ought to have named one of the other candidates instead. But he insisted there had been no ill will behind his words.
“I know what the Perico feeling means,” Monchi said, explaining that he had felt connected to it since arriving at the club and had experienced it among supporters in the street.
He described his vote for Yamal as an expression of Spanish pride rather than a statement aimed at Espanyol or its fanbase. His message was direct: if his comment had caused hurt, he was sorry.
