Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has boldly claimed he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting that only France superstar Kylian Mbappe currently matches his level as the best player in world football.
The 19-year-old winger made the statement during an interview with Movistar Plus, where he argued that his impressive trophy haul with Barcelona and Spain gives him a strong case for the prestigious individual award.
“For me, Mbappe and me, we’re the two best players in the world,” Yamal said.
“I honestly think that, as the best in the world, maybe there are two of us, and this year I would deserve it because of what I’ve won.”
Yamal enjoyed a remarkable season, helping Barcelona retain the La Liga title before playing a key role as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy, further strengthening his claim among the leading contenders for football’s biggest individual honour.
The Barcelona forward had earlier taken a more cautious approach during a press conference, admitting he had enjoyed an “incredible” campaign but insisting he would not beg voters for recognition.
However, his latest comments show his confidence ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
Mbappe remains one of Yamal’s strongest competitors after a record-breaking campaign. The France captain finished as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, although Real Madrid failed to secure a major trophy.
Meanwhile, Yamal’s Barcelona and Spain teammate Ousmane Dembele, who won last year’s award, believes the prize should remain with a Paris Saint-Germain player following their Champions League triumph.
Bayern Munich striker and England international Harry Kane is also among the leading contenders for the award.
With football’s biggest stars competing for the honour, the 2026 Ballon d’Or race is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested in recent years.
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