Lamine Yamal Claims 2026 Ballon d'Or, Faces Mbappe Rivalry

Lamine Yamal, a forward for Barcelona, has declared himself deserving of the 2026 Ballon d'Or, naming Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe as his main rival. Yamal believes his candidacy is bolstered by Barcelona's La Liga title and Spain's World Cup triumph in North America.

In an interview with Movistar Plus+, Yamal stated, “I honestly believe there are two of us who are the best in the world, and this year I’d deserve it because of what I’ve won.” The 19-year-old was recognized as La Liga’s best player for the 2025-26 season after helping Barcelona retain the title and playing a crucial role in Spain's World Cup victory. Previously, Yamal had expressed a more cautious stance regarding his chances of winning the award.

Mbappe, who finished as the leading scorer in the World Cup, La Liga, and the Champions League, has also asserted his candidacy. The 2026 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced in London on October 26.