The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is heating up earlier than usual, with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe already trading subtle jabs over who deserves football’s most prestigious individual award.
In an interview set to air Friday on Movistar’s El Chiringuito program Universo Valdano, the Barcelona star was unusually direct about his own candidacy.
Yamal’s Bold Claim
When asked who he would give the Ballon d’Or to, Yamal did not hesitate to put himself forward.
“I honestly believe there are maybe only two players who are the best in the world, but I deserve it this year,” Yamal said, according to Sport.
He doubled down on his position: “For me, myself and Kylian Mbappe are the best two players, and anyone who watches the games knows that.”
Mbappe’s Earlier Comments
Mbappe had already made his own case days before, arguing that the Ballon d’Or should reward a player who stands out individually.
“I have always thought the Ballon d’Or should reward a different player,” Mbappe said. “Of course there is the collective side, and it is important, because football is a team sport. But it is an individual award.”
He was even more definitive about his own season: “I think I have done different things this year. That is why I see myself able to win the Ballon d’Or.”
What Each Player Has in His Favor
Yamal can point to a World Cup triumph with Spain and a La Liga title with Barcelona. Mbappe, meanwhile, exploded in front of goal at the World Cup and became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
With both players making their cases publicly, the debate over the 2026 Ballon d’Or is only likely to intensify in the months ahead.