Lamine Yamal says he deserves 2026 Ballon dOr after trophy-laden year

Lamine Yamal says he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after helping Barcelona retain La Liga and becoming a world champion with Spain.

The 19-year-old Barcelona and Spain winger also said he and Kylian Mbappe were “the two best players in the world” in an interview with Movistar Plus, excerpts of which were published on Sunday.

“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,” he added.

Yamal strengthened his claim for the game’s most prestigious individual award by scoring twice in Barcelona’s 4-2 victory at Levante on Sunday.

The result maintained Barcelona’s perfect start to the La Liga season and restored their three-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the table. Real Madrid had beaten Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

Yamal had adopted a more cautious position during a press conference last Tuesday, saying he believed he had a chance of winning after an “incredible” season but would not ask for votes.

His central rival for the award, Mbappe, has also put forward a strong case in recent days. The France captain finished as the leading scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, although Real Madrid did not win a major trophy.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele, who won last year’s award, believes it should stay with a player from the French club after PSG retained the Champions League.

Dembele is also Mbappe’s France team-mate.

Bayern Munich striker and England international Harry Kane is another of the leading contenders for the prize, which will be awarded in London on October 26.

Yamal’s latest goals came as Hansi Flick’s side continued their strong opening to the campaign. Barcelona’s win over Levante ensured they responded to Real Madrid’s victory and kept their lead at the summit at three points.