Mbappe and Yamal shortlisted for October La Liga award

Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal will compete for the La Liga Player of the Month award for October, only days after both finished behind Harry Kane in the 2026 Ballon d’Or voting.

The Real Madrid forward and Barcelona winger are among five nominees announced by La Liga. The shortlist also includes Real Sociedad’s Goncalo Guedes, Atletico Madrid’s Alejandro Grimaldo and Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro.

Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Mbappe and Yamal, who placed second and third respectively in the leading individual award in world football.

Mbappe’s scoring run

Mbappe strengthened his case for the monthly prize by scoring four goals in three La Liga appearances during October.

He scored twice against Sevilla before finding the net two more times against Barcelona in El Clasico, helping Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory at Spotify Camp Nou.

The France international has now scored 11 league goals this season and supplied two assists, giving him 13 direct goal contributions. That places him second in the scoring charts behind Barcelona forward Raphinha, who has scored 13 goals.

Mbappe’s goals also helped Real Madrid win all three of their league matches during October. Those results reduced the gap to leaders Barcelona to three points and put the Madrid club firmly back in contention for the title.

Yamal’s contribution

Yamal recorded one goal and two assists in three league matches during the month, contributing directly to three goals.

Although Mbappe produced more goals and goal contributions over the period, Yamal’s nomination underlines his continued status among La Liga’s leading attacking players and his importance to Barcelona.

Across the season, Yamal has scored eight goals and provided six assists in the league, taking his total to 14 goal contributions. Mbappe has 11 goals and two assists, giving him 13 contributions overall.

The award offers both players an opportunity to respond after missing out on the Ballon d’Or, which went to Kane despite the performances delivered by the Real Madrid and Barcelona stars during the previous season.

Yamal did win the Kopa Trophy for the best young player. Mbappe, meanwhile, is looking to turn his scoring form into another individual honour after losing the September Player of the Month award to Raphinha.

Mbappe has the stronger record for October, but Yamal holds a narrow advantage for total league goal contributions this season.

The winner will be announced while the title race between Real Madrid and Barcelona continues. Barcelona face Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on 31 October, while Real Madrid play Racing Santander on 01 November.