Yamal: I Deserve the Ballon d'Or

Barcelona and Spain national team star Lamine Yamal believes that he and French Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé are the two best players in the world, asserting that he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a trophy-laden year with the Catalan club and La Roja. The 19-year-old winger said in an interview with Movistar Plus, excerpts of which were published: “Who would I give the Ballon d’Or to? To the best player in the world. And who will give it to? That’s a long story. I honestly believe I deserve it this year given the titles I’ve won (the La Liga title and the World Cup). In my view, Mbappé and I are the two best players in the world. It’s very clear, and anyone who watches the matches knows that.” Yamal helped Barcelona retain the La Liga title before winning the World Cup with Spain this summer, bolstering his chances of claiming football’s most prestigious individual award. Yamal had spoken more cautiously during a press conference, saying he believed he had a chance to win the award after an “exceptional” season, but that he would not seek to pander to voters. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, giving the various candidates more time to continue their outstanding performances in pursuit of the prize.