Lamine Yamal believes he and Kylian Mbappe are the two best players in the world and says he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a trophy-laden year with Barcelona and Spain.
“For me, Mbappe and I are the two best players in the world,” the 19-year-old Barcelona winger said in an interview with Movistar Plus, excerpts of which were published Sunday.
“I honestly think there are maybe two of us at the top, and this year I would deserve it because of what I’ve won,” he added.
Yamal helped Barcelona retain La Liga before playing a key role as Spain won the World Cup this summer, strengthening his case for football’s most prestigious individual award.
He struck a more measured tone at a press conference last Tuesday, saying he believed he had a chance after an “incredible” season but would not beg for votes.
Mbappe has also strengthened his case in recent weeks.
The France captain finished as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, although Real Madrid failed to win a major trophy.
Yamal’s Barcelona and Spain teammate Ousmane Dembele, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, believes the award should remain with a Paris Saint-Germain player after the French club retained the Champions League.
Bayern Munich striker and England international Harry Kane is also among the favourites for the award, which will be presented in London on October 26.
AFP
