New Delhi: Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has claimed he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year owing to his performances for club and country.
The young sensation believes his stellar season for Barcelona and World Cup triumph with Spain make him the strongest contender to lift the prestigious individual honour.
Yamal was one of the best players for Barcelona in the 2025-26 season, scoring 24 goals and recording 18 assists for the club across all competitions. He played a key role in helping Barcelona win the La Liga title and seal the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona also made it to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, with Yamal being one of their best players in the competition.
While he enjoyed an impressive season with Barcelona, Yamal believes his FIFA World Cup triumph with Spain is what separates him from France striker Kylian Mbappe, who is also a strong contender to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Yamal was part of the Spain team that beat Argentina in the final to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy.
Though his output in the tournament was modest, with the teenager scoring only 1 goal, Yamal believes World Cup victory gives him a significant edge over Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
“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,” Yamal said in an interview clip shared by Movistar.
“As far as I’m concerned, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world. It’s clear to me and everyone who watches the matches knows it,” he added.
Kylian Mbappe’s season at a glance
Mbappe also enjoyed a remarkable individual season for club and country. He scored a whopping 42 goals and produced seven assists for Real Madrid across competitions in the 2025-26 season. However, he failed to guide the club to a trophy, which can prove decisive in the Ballon d’Or race.
Mbappe was also instrumental in helping France reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. He scored 10 goals and recorded 4 assists in the tournament. Mbappe won the Golden Boot in the World Cup after finishing as the top goalscorer.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place in London on October 26, and it remains to be seen who will win the prestigious award.