Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has backed himself to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, placing his name alongside Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe as the leading contenders for the prestigious individual prize.
Yamal believes his chances have been strengthened by Barcelona’s La Liga title and Spain’s World Cup triumph, while Mbappe’s case is largely based on his outstanding individual scoring record despite Real Madrid ending the previous season without a major trophy.
“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.
“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,” Yamal said in an interview with Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus+, excerpts of which were released ahead of the full programme on Monday.
The 19-year-old was named La Liga’s best player for the 2025-26 season after helping Barcelona retain the league title. He then played an important role in Spain’s successful World Cup campaign in North America.
Yamal had adopted a more cautious approach the previous week, acknowledging that he had a chance of winning the award but insisting he would not actively campaign for votes.
Mbappe, meanwhile, has also publicly promoted his own chances following a prolific campaign. The France captain finished as the leading scorer at the World Cup, in La Liga and in the Champions League.
Last week, Mbappe said he did not believe any player had enjoyed a better season than him. He also argued that the Ballon d’Or is an individual award, although team achievements remain an important part of the discussion.
Yamal and Mbappe have already gone head-to-head on the international stage, with Spain defeating France in the World Cup semi-final before going on to lift the trophy.
Yamal finished second behind Ousmane Dembele in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting, while Mbappe placed third in 2023, when Lionel Messi claimed the award for a record eighth time.
Dembele, who helped Paris Saint-Germain retain the Champions League last season, has also thrown his support behind another PSG player in this year’s Ballon d’Or race.
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced in London
