Lamine Yamal has made a bold statement about his standing in world football, asserting that he and Kylian Mbappe are the only two players who deserve to be considered the best. The young Spaniard’s comments come as the football world awaits the Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled for October 26 in London.
In an interview with Spanish broadcaster Movistar, published on Sunday, Yamal said: “I sincerely believe that we are only two players who deserve to be called the best in the world, and I deserve the award this year because of what I have achieved.” He added: “For me, Mbappe and I are the best in the world. This is clear to me, and everyone who watches football knows it.”
Yamal’s confidence stems from a remarkable season. He won the La Liga Best Player award for the 2025-2026 season after helping Barcelona defend their league title. He also played a key role in Spain’s triumph at the World Cup in North America.
Mbappe, meanwhile, has also had a standout year. The French forward was the top scorer in the World Cup, La Liga, and the Champions League. Last week, he stated that there was no better player than him in the past season, despite failing to win any major trophy.
The rivalry between the two stars has been building. Last year, Yamal finished second in the Ballon d’Or race behind Ousmane Dembele, while Mbappe placed third in 2023 when Lionel Messi won the award for a record eighth time.
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching, Yamal’s remarks add intrigue to the debate over who will be crowned the world’s best player. Both players have made strong cases, and the final decision will be revealed in London on October 26.