Lamine Yamal says he and Kylian Mbappe are the world’s best players

Lamine Yamal says he and Kylian Mbappe are currently the two best players in the world as they compete for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Barcelona forward was asked who deserved the award and said he would choose “the best player in the world”, while acknowledging that deciding who should receive it would lead to “a very long debate”.

“I sincerely believe there are two of us who are the best in the world,” Yamal said in comments reported by Spanish newspaper AS.

“I and Mbappe are the best in the world, and everyone who watches the matches knows that. We have faced each other directly and I have beaten him in everything. He has scored many goals, which is why he won the Pichichi award.”

Yamal also rejected the idea that winning the World Cup should be decisive in determining the Ballon d’Or.

“I do not think that is right either. I do not believe one competition gives you the award,” he said.

“But the coincidence is that I play for the national team that won the World Cup. If England had won the World Cup, I would still say that Mbappe and I are the best players in the world now.”

The Barcelona player was also asked about his rapid rise to global prominence, particularly in comparison with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“There have been great stars such as Messi and Ronaldo, but I think we have not seen this kind of brilliance at such a young age in recent times,” he said.

“People think I will relax simply because I have won, but I still have many things to achieve in the history of football.”

Yamal then reflected on Messi’s performances at the World Cup, saying the Argentina captain exceeded even the highest expectations.

“Although everyone knows he is the best in history, no-one expected this legendary performance,” said Yamal.

“For me, Argentina have good players, but Messi is above everyone else. He was the best player at the World Cup for me.”

Yamal’s comments come amid discussion over the Ballon d’Or contest between the Barcelona teenager and Real Madrid striker Mbappe. He maintained that the award should not be determined by a single tournament, while continuing to place himself and Mbappe above the rest of the world’s players.

The forward also said his early success had not reduced his ambition, insisting he still had significant goals to pursue in football.