‘Mbappé and I are the best; but I deserve Ballon d’Or’: Yamal

Madrid: Spain and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is confident he can beat French superstar Kylian Mbappe to the 2026 Ballon d’Or, backing his World Cup triumph with Spain and another LaLiga title with Barcelona as evidence that he deserves the prestigious award.

Yamal said he and Mbappe are currently among the two best players in the world, but believes his achievements this year give him the edge in the race for the individual honour.

“I think there may be two of us who are the best in the world, and this year I deserve it because of what I have won. For me, Mbappé and I are the two best in the world. It’s very clear to me, and everyone who watches the matches knows it,” Yamal was quoted by reports.

“Mbappé and I are the two best players in the world, but I think I deserve the Ballon d’Or this year,” he was quoted.

The 19-year-old played a key role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph, scoring once during the tournament. His influence was equally significant for Barcelona, who retained the LaLiga title with Yamal playing a decisive role over the past two seasons.

Yamal produced 18 goals and 25 assists during the 2024-25 campaign before adding 16 goals and 11 assists in 2025-26. He was also named the league’s best player this season. His rise has already taken him close to the biggest individual prize in football, having finished runner-up to France’s Ousmane Dembele last year.

Mbappe, however, has mounted a formidable challenge. The French captain scored 10 goals and provided four assists at the 2026 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot and becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

His club form has further strengthened his case, with Mbappe finishing as Real Madrid’s top scorer in both LaLiga and the Champions League last season.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on October 26. Yamal and Mbappe are among the 30 nominees for the men’s award.