Lamine Yamal says Ballon d’Or race is between himself and Kylian Mbappe

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal says he and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe are the only two players in contention to be regarded as the world’s best and believes he deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

France Football has announced the 30 nominees for the award, with Yamal among the leading candidates.

“I honestly believe there may be only two players who deserve to be called the best in the world,” Yamal told Movistar.

“I think I deserve it this year because of the titles I have won.”

Yamal added: “For me, Kylian Mbappe and I are the two best players in the world.”

“It is very clear to me, and anyone who watches the matches knows that,” he said.

The Spain international won La Liga with Barcelona and also claimed the Spanish Super Cup after victory over Real Madrid.

He also helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup at international level.

Yamal currently leads the La Liga scoring chart with six goals, level with Barcelona team-mate Raphinha and Mbappe.

Barcelona, led by Yamal, are top of La Liga with 15 points after winning each of their first five matches.