Yamal names Mbappe as only rival in Ballon d’Or race
Lamine Yamal believes Kylian Mbappe is his only serious rival for this year’s Ballon d’Or after a season in which both forwards enjoyed outstanding individual campaigns.
The Barcelona winger has put his case forward on the strength of his team’s success, pointing to Barcelona’s LaLiga title defence and Spain’s World Cup triumph in North America.
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Mbappe, meanwhile, finished as the leading scorer in the World Cup, LaLiga and Champions League, although he ended the campaign without a major trophy.
Yamal backs his own Ballon d’Or case
Yamal was named LaLiga’s best player for the 2025-26 season after helping Barcelona retain the league title before playing an important role in Spain’s World Cup success.
“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.”
The teenager finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting behind Ousmane Dembele, leaving him hoping to go one step further this time.
Mbappe has also been among the leading contenders in recent years, finishing third in the 2023 voting won by Lionel Messi.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in London on October 26, with Yamal and Mbappe expected to be among the leading contenders for the prestigious individual award.