Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has identified himself as the worthy winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Though the Spaniard claimed that he and Kylian Mbappé jointly are the two best in the world, he insisted he deserves the trophy.
The 19-year-old has begun the 2026/2027 season on an explosive run with seven goals in just six games, including a brace in Barcelona’s 4-2 victory over Levante on Sunday.
Yamal believes his titles should make him a deserved winner.
London will play host to this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 26.
“I would give it to the best player in the world,” Yamal said in an interview with Movistar, quoted by ESPN. “Who are they going to give it to? That’s a very long conversation in itself. I honestly believe that there are maybe two of us who are the best in the world.
“And I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won. For me, Mbappé and I are the best in the world. It is clear to me. Everyone who watches the matches knows it.”
Yamal Dissatisfied with World Cup Performance
Compared to his outstanding performance at Euro 2024, it is sufficient to say that Yamal had a quiet World Cup with 1 goal and no assists in 6 appearances. He admitted that he did not perform optimally
“After winning the World Cup, I wasn’t happy,” he added. “Obviously, I went into the tournament with an injury, but that has nothing to do with it.
“I would have performed as well without the injury. That said, I did a lot of things that people didn’t see. For example, I think it’s incredible for a coach to have a player who can drag three opponents along with him.
“But I wasn’t happy with my own performance. I know another player performing at my level would have had a great World Cup, but for me, I could have done more. I did help the team, but I can’t wait for the next [World Cup] to arrive.”
Yamal might not have had an explosive individual season like Kylian Mbappé, but he edged the French forward with La Liga and World Cup titles.
Mbappe Makes Case for Himself
Mbappé endured a trophyless season at Real Madrid and reached the semi-finals with France at the 2026 World Cup.
The Real Madrid striker also believes he has the brightest chance of winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career this year.
This 27-year-old netted 42 goals in 44 matches in the previous season in which his team failed to win any trophy.
He scored 10 goals in the last World Cup match and he has scored a total of 22 goals in the World Cup matches in his career.
