Lamine Yamal says he deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappé after naming the pair as the two best players in the world

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has named Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé as the man who can challenge him for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, then argued that the trophy should still be his.

Also read: USA Beat France 97-79 to Retain Women’s World Cup

Speaking to Movistar, Lamine Yamal said: “Kylian Mbappé and I, we are the two best in the world. But I think I am the one who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.”

Both men are on the 30-name shortlist. In the year under review Lamine Yamal won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the World Cup. Kylian Mbappé finished as top scorer in the Champions League, La Liga and the World Cup.

Also read: USA Beat France 97-79 to Retain Women’s World Cup

That split is the real contest. One case rests on team silverware. The other rests on goals at every level that matters. Voters will have to choose which story they value more. Lamine Yamal has already chosen for them.