Mansion Sports – Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has made a passionate call for his players to receive recognition at the upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony, insisting that a Spanish player deserves to take home the golden ball.

The La Roja coach highlighted several key players from his team's recent international success, while specifically defending one of his most reliable yet often overlooked midfield maestros.

Demanding Global Recognition for Spanish Excellence

De la Fuente did not hold back in giving his assessment of the current world football landscape.

With the Ballon d'Or ceremony scheduled to take place on October 26, the Spanish manager used an interview with El Larguero to campaign for his players.

Although Spain has 26 representatives across the various award categories this year, De la Fuente feels that the highest individual honor has eluded his star players for far too long.

He believes that the tactical intelligence and technical ability of modern Spanish players are unmatched, but are often overlooked when discussing the most prestigious individual trophy in football.

"I think the award should be won by a Spanish player because they are the best in the world in many aspects, including their understanding of the game."

"Spanish footballers are almost, almost perfect players. Besides that, they have done more than enough to deserve it this year... And it seems difficult to give that recognition to our players," De la Fuente said.

Defending Lamine Yamal and His Superstar Ambitions

One of the most widely discussed stories heading into the awards season has been the emergence of Lamine Yamal as a genuine global superstar.

The young Barcelona player recently attracted attention after placing himself alongside Kylian Mbappe as part of the current elite level of football.

When asked whether he would have been equally bold during his playing days, De la Fuente quickly defended the teenager's confidence.

He sees the ambition not as arrogance, but as a reflection of what has happened on the pitch.

The manager believes that Yamal, along with newly signed Real Madrid star Mbappe, represents the future of the sport in the near and long-term future at the highest level.

"I think you have to look at the context in which it was said. And I think Lamine said it simply because he has done enough to deserve it, just like Mbappe."

"They are two players with different qualities who, over the next few years, while respecting other players, will determine the direction of football."

"For me, it is not a lack of respect when they say that they have done enough to win it," he said.

The Forgotten Figure in the Golden Ball Race

While coverage is often dominated by names such as Mbappe or Yamal, the Spanish manager insisted that another important member of the championship-winning team has been unfairly overlooked.

In particular, he pointed to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz as a player who has consistently performed at an elite level without receiving the global attention afforded to others.

The coach believes that Spain's collective success at international level should be a major factor in determining this season's individual award winner.

He specifically highlighted the PSG star when asked to choose between Rodri and Lamine Yamal for the main award. De la Fuente commented: "And Fabian, whom we always forget."

"A few days ago I said that I missed Mikel Oyarzabal, who at least should have been in the top 30, to recognize the talent of an extraordinary footballer who has been the leading scorer for the world champions."

"These things should be valued now, regardless of whether they eventually win it or not."

"I am also surprised that Pedri is not there, but among those who are there, I do not favor any one of them. Whoever wins it, among the Spanish players, I will be very happy."

The Manager Praises Spain's Goalkeeping Dominance

De la Fuente further highlighted the depth of Spanish quality by pointing to the nominations of three of his national team's goalkeepers for the award in their position: Unai Simon, David Raya, and Joan García.

For De la Fuente, the recognition further underlines his country's dominance among goalkeepers, as he stated that at least three of the five best goalkeepers in the world consistently come from Spain.

"Let's choose what belongs to us and value it. I believe that the Ballon d'Or should be won by a Spanish player, of course."

"In the same way, in the goalkeeper awards, it is a privilege that we have three goalkeepers from the World Cup among the nominees."

"And we always say that among the five best goalkeepers in the world, there are always three Spanish players, at least."