Lamine Yamal says he deserves the Ballon d’Or over Kylian Mbappe after winning the World Cup
Lamine Yamal has backed himself to win the Ballon d’Or and insists his achievements with Barcelona and Spain deserve football’s most prestigious individual award.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26 and Yamal enters the race after another outstanding season for club and country. The Barcelona forward believes his trophy haul gives him the edge over Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, who enjoyed a remarkable individual campaign but failed to win silverware.
Yamal, now 19, has been one of Barcelona’s standout performers throughout the season. He finished the campaign with 24 goals and 18 assists across competitions and played a key role as the Catalan giants secured La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, with Yamal among their most influential players.
His performances in the domestic league were particularly impressive, earning him the honor of being named the competition’s best player. His consistency, creativity and ability to produce decisive moments further enhanced his Ballon d’Or credentials.
MATTERS ON TROPHIES
While Yamal’s numbers at Barcelona were impressive, he believes it is his success with Spain that could ultimately separate him from Mbappe in the Ballon d’Or race.
Teen helped Spain won the soccer world cupwith the European champions beating defending champions Argentina in the final. Yamal’s individual contribution was more modest than his club performance, with his only goal of the tournament coming during the group stage match against Saudi Arabia.
However, Yamal believes that collective success should carry significant weight in deciding the winner of the award.
“I honestly believe that we are the two who are the best in the world and I would deserve it this year because of what I won,” Yamal said in an interview clip shared by Movistar on Sunday.
“As far as I’m concerned, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world. It’s clear to me and everyone who watches the matches knows it.”
Yamal finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting behind Ousmane Dembele. Mbappe, meanwhile, finished third in 2023, when Lionel Messi won the award for a record eighth time.
MBAPPE NUMBERS
Mbappe’s case is built largely on his extraordinary individual numbers. The France captain scored 42 goals and provided seven assists for Real Madrid during the season, making him one of the most prolific strikers in world football.
However, despite his remarkable performance, Mbappe was unable to lead Real Madrid to a major trophy. That lack of silverware could prove significant as voters consider his individual brilliance and Yamal’s success with Barcelona and Spain.
Mbappe was also the top scorer at the FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals and providing four assists. France reached the semi-finals but were eliminated by Spain, who went on to lift the trophy.
The Ballon d’Or race therefore presents a compelling contrast between two of the world’s brightest young stars. Yamal can point to major trophies and his influence in successful teams, while Mbappe has stronger individual stats.
With Yamal representing Barcelona and Mbappe leading Real Madrid, the two could now compete for football’s biggest individual award when the Ballon d’Or is awarded in London on October 26.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
14 Sep 2026 18:18 IST