Lamine Yamal has made a confident case for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying that he and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé are the two best players in world football—and that his own record of success should give him the edge.

“I honestly believe there are two of us who are the best in the world, and this year I’d deserve it because of what I’ve won,” the 19-year-old Barcelona winger said in comments released from an interview with Movistar. “As far as I’m concerned, Mbappé and I are the two best in the world. It’s clear to me, and everyone who watches the matches knows it.”

Yamal’s confidence follows a defining year for club and country. He helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during the 2025–26 campaign, then played an influential part as Spain won the 2026 World Cup. His season included more than 40 goal contributions for Barcelona, with 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances reported across the campaign.

The Barcelona forward is among the leading names on the 30-man shortlist for the award, which will be presented in London on October 26. Mbappé is also a major contender, alongside Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé and a strong contingent from Paris Saint-Germain.

Yamal’s argument reflects the enduring tension at the heart of the Ballon d’Or: whether individual brilliance, team trophies or a combination of both should determine football’s most prestigious individual honour. For Yamal, the answer is straightforward. His performances for Barcelona and Spain, combined with a major trophy haul at just 19, give him a compelling claim to the award.