The race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or is heating up, with two of the biggest stars in football today, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, both openly expressing their belief that they deserve the prestigious individual award, making the showdown between them even more interesting.
Lamine Yamal spoke about this topic on Movistar's Universo Valdano show, in an interview that is expected to air on Friday. The Barcelona star was more direct than ever when asked who he would give the Ballon d'Or to.
"Who would I give the 'Ballon d'Or' to? Honestly, I think there are probably only two players who are the best in the world, but I deserve it this year," Yamal said.
The 19-year-old then made it even clearer who he considers to be the two main players in the competition. "For me, me and Kylian Mbappe are the two best players and anyone who follows the games knows that," he declared.
Yamal comes into this competition after an extraordinary season, where he won the World Cup with Spain and the La Liga title with Barcelona, while also being named the best player in the Spanish championship for the 2025-26 season.
On the other hand, Mbappe has also made it clear that he sees himself as a serious candidate for the award. The French striker argues that the Ballon d'Or is an individual award and that this year he has done something special.
"I have always believed that the 'Ballon d'Or' should reward a player who stands out. Of course, there is also the collective aspect, which is important because football is a team sport. But this is an individual award," said Mbappe.
He further expressed his confidence in his chances: "I think I offered something different this year. That's why I believe I can win the 'Ballon d'Or'."
Mbappe scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid and won the World Cup Golden Boot, but Madrid ended the season without a major trophy. Yamal, meanwhile, has the advantage of trophies won with Barcelona and Spain.
The "Ballon d'Or" ceremony will take place on October 26 in London, and the winner will be determined by votes from journalists.
