I deserve this year’s Ballon d’Or — Lamine Yamal

‘I deserve it!’ – Yamal names himself and Mbappe as world’s best ahead of Ballon d’Or

Lamine Yamal has declared himself worthy of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, naming only Kylian Mbappe as his rival for the world’s best player award. The 19-year-old Barcelona forward helped Spain win the World Cup and fired his club to the La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup, racking up 24 goals and 18 assists across all competitions.

According to GOAL.com, Yamal told Universo Valdano that he and Mbappe stand alone at the top, adding that “everyone who watches the matches knows” he deserves it. Mbappe, however, argued his individual scoring exploits should outweigh Yamal’s trophy haul. The winner will be revealed in London on 26 October.