Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal has boldly declared that he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after another outstanding season.
Yamal believes he and Kylian Mbappé are currently the two best players in world football. However, he feels his achievements during the 2025/26 campaign give him a strong claim to the prestigious individual award.
Speaking to Movistar, Yamal said he would choose himself ahead of Mbappé for this year’s prize.
“Mbappé and I, we are the two best in the world and it’s very clear for everyone who watches football games,” Yamal said.
“But this year I would deserve this Ballon d’Or. For me, I deserve it because of the titles I won this season.”
The 19-year-old enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Barcelona before helping Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His performances have placed him among the leading candidates for the award.
Yamal was already a major contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or after finishing second behind Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé.
The latest Ballon d’Or race is expected to be closely contested, with Yamal and Mbappé among the leading names after the completion of the 2025/26 season.
The 2026 award will consider performances from the entire campaign, including the 2026 World Cup.
Yamal’s confidence is hardly surprising given his rapid rise. The Barcelona forward has established himself as one of the biggest young stars in world football and continues to attract comparisons with some of the game’s greatest players.
