Lamine Yamal asserted that he and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé stand as the best players in the world, while explicitly claiming that he deserves to win the upcoming Ballon d’Or due to his major trophy haul over the past season. Speaking in an interview with former Argentine footballer Jorge Valdano for the Movistar Plus program Universo Valdano, the Barcelona star outlined his case for the prestigious individual award ahead of its October 26 ceremony in London.
Lamine Yamal Claims Ballon d’Or Case Following Stellar Season
The debate surrounding football’s highest individual honor intensified as Barcelona attacker Lamine Yamal staked his claim for the trophy.
“I think the best in the world are perhaps two, and this year I would deserve it for what I’ve won,” Yamal said in an advanced clip released from the interview. “For me, Mbappé and I are the two best in the world. For me it’s very clear and everyone who watches the matches knows it.”
Contrasting Candidacies: Yamal and Mbappé
Yamal’s remarks follow recent comments from his rival in the capital, as Kylian Mbappé similarly pressed his own claims for football supremacy. In a separate interview published by L’Équipe, the Real Madrid forward pointed to his prolific goalscoring exploits in premier competitions and his status as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup tournament history as the foundation for his own Ballon d’Or candidacy.
High-ranking figures within Barcelona, including club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’, have publicly thrown their weight behind the teenage phenomenon in recent weeks.
Reflecting on the 2026 World Cup and Physical Toll
During his conversation with Valdano, reported by NTN24, Yamal addressed the scrutiny regarding his performances during the 2026 World Cup. The Spanish star revealed that lingering effects from an injury sustained just days before the tournament opener hampered his physical ceiling.
“I know that if the World Cup were repeated at another time, I would have been at the same level if I hadn’t had the injury,” Yamal explained. He added that despite capturing world glory at just 19 years old, personal perfectionist standards left him wanting more from his individual tournament output: “I did a lot of things that people didn’t see. For example, it’s something incredible for a coach to have a player who draws three defenders. But I wasn’t happy for myself, because I know another player with my level would have made a great World Cup, but I could have done more.”
Historical Context and Future Ambitions
Addressing his rapid ascent, Yamal acknowledged the rarity of achieving so much silverware at the onset of a professional career. Comparing his trajectory to historical icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Diego Maradona—noting he was too young to watch the latter play—he remarked on the unprecedented nature of winning at such a young age.
“There have been great stories in football, historic players like Leo, Cristiano or Diego, whom I couldn’t see, but I think never before had so much been won so early,” Yamal stated. He dismissed notions that early success might breed complacency, insisting he retains numerous milestones to conquer before cementing his legacy in football history.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be officially announced on October 26, 2026, in London, bringing an end to months of intense debate between the camps of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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