Lamine Yamal says he deserves 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappe

Lamine Yamal has said he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, despite naming himself and Kylian Mbappe as the two best players in the world.

The Barcelona forward made the comments in an interview for Universo Valdano on Movistar, which will be published on Friday. His remarks, reported by Spanish newspaper Sport, offer his clearest assessment yet of the battle for the prestigious individual award.

Asked who he would give the Ballon d’Or to, Yamal said: “Honestly, I think there may be only two players who are the best in the world, but I deserve it this year.”

He added: “For me, Kylian Mbappe and I are the best two players, and everyone who watches the matches knows that.”

The contest for the 2026 award has already begun to attract attention, with the rivalry between Yamal and Mbappe developing into one of its central storylines.

Mbappe had spoken about the award several days earlier, arguing that individual performances should carry significant weight even though football is a team sport.

“I have always believed that the Ballon d’Or should reward a different player,” the forward said. “Of course, there is the collective aspect, and that is important because football is a team sport. But it is an individual award.”

He was more direct when assessing his own campaign, adding: “I think I have done different things this year. That is why I believe I can win the Ballon d’Or.”

Yamal’s case is supported by winning the World Cup with Spain, as well as claiming the Spanish league title with Barcelona.

Mbappe, meanwhile, has been prolific in front of goal at the World Cup and has become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

The comments underline the contrasting claims of the two forwards as the Ballon d’Or race intensifies. Yamal points to major team honours with Spain and Barcelona, while Mbappe has highlighted the distinctive nature of his individual contribution and his goalscoring record at the World Cup.

Yamal’s assessment was also shared in a post promoting the Universo Valdano interview, quoting him in Spanish as saying: “Mbappe and I are the two best in the world, but I think this year I would deserve the Ballon d’Or.”