Denis Zakaria names Lamine Yamal the best player in the world and singles out Michael Olise

AS Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria has hailed Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, describing the 19-year-old as the best player in the world while also highlighting Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise among the most exciting footballers to watch.

Speaking on the programme Zack en Roue Libre, the 29-year-old Swiss international discussed the quality of Europe’s leading attacking talents and explained why facing Spain has become such a difficult challenge for opponents.

Zakaria particularly praised Yamal’s influence on the Spanish national team, pointing to the teenager’s ability to make life difficult for opposing defenders.

“Playing against Spain is always a nightmare. They deny you the ball and force you to spend your time running. And when you add stars like Lamine Yamal to that team, it makes things even more difficult. He’s the best player in the world,” Zakaria said.

The Monaco captain also acknowledged the exceptional qualities of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, describing his compatriot as one of the finest players in world football.

However, when asked about the players who give him the greatest enjoyment when watching football, Zakaria identified Yamal and Olise as his standout choices.

“If I had to name two who, when I look at them, make me think, ‘Ah yeah, that’s ridiculous’, it’s Michael Olise and Yamal,” he explained.

Zakaria backs Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or triumph

Zakaria also reserved special praise for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé following his outstanding previous campaign.

The French international enjoyed a remarkable season with PSG, earning individual recognition for his contributions to the club’s success.

Zakaria described Dembélé’s campaign as incredible and insisted that the forward fully deserved his Ballon d’Or triumph.

“Ousmane Dembélé is also an exceptional player. His season last year was incredible. He 100 per cent deserves his Ballon d’Or,” the Swiss midfielder added.

Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, while Harry Kane claimed the 2026 men’s award ahead of Mbappé and Yamal.

Yamal finished third in the 2026 voting and collected his third consecutive Young Talent of the Year award, while Olise secured ninth position.