Lamine Yamal has said he believes he deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that he and Kylian Mbappé are the world’s two best players. His case rests on Barcelona’s La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles, plus Spain’s World Cup triumph, alongside 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 club appearances.

“I would give it to the best player in the world,” Yamal said in an interview preview released by Movistar. “Who are they going to give it to? That’s a very long conversation in itself. I honestly believe that there are maybe two of us who are the best in the world. And I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won. For me, Mbappé and I are the best in the world. It is clear to me. Everyone who watches the matches knows it.”

The Barcelona winger’s confidence follows the strongest season of his career. Yamal recorded 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions in 2025–26, playing a leading role as Barcelona won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

He then carried that form into the 2026 World Cup, appearing in all eight of Spain’s matches as the country won the tournament. Yamal contributed one goal and one assist during the competition, strengthening an individual case built on both club performance and international success.

Yamal’s remarks should not be read as a claim that Mbappé is literally his sole rival on the official Ballon d’Or ballot. The 30-player shortlist includes Harry Kane, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembélé and other elite contenders. Rather, Yamal said he considers himself and Mbappé the two best players in the world at present, while believing his trophy haul should give him an edge in the voting.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London. It will be the first time the event has been staged outside Paris, and Yamal’s combination of individual output and major honours makes him one of the award’s most compelling candidates.