Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has formally entered the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying he deserves to be recognised as the best player in the world. The 19-year-old believes that, after a season full of trophies for both club and country, only he and Kylian Mbappe are currently at the very top of world football.

Staking his claim after a silverware-filled campaign

Yamal has boldly put himself forward as the main contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The 19-year-old attacker, who helped Spain win the World Cup, feels his outstanding displays over the last year make him the most deserving candidate for football’s biggest individual honour.

The Barcelona youngster’s confidence comes after an outstanding season for club and country, during which he played a key role as the Blaugrana won the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup, while he delivered an impressive return of 24 goals and 18 assists in all competitions.

That mix of major team honours and excellent numbers at club level is the basis of his belief that he merits the biggest individual prize in the sport.

‘I would deserve it’

Speaking in an interview with Universo Valdano after a brilliant two-goal performance against Valencia, Yamal addressed the Ballon d’Or discussion head-on. The Spain international reduced the contest to only two genuine contenders.

“Who would I give it to? The best player in the world,” Yamal said. “Honestly, when it comes to the best player in the world, maybe there are two of us, me and Mbappe. And I think I would deserve it this year because of what I’ve achieved.”

The Barcelona academy product also made it clear that, in his view, his impact should be obvious to anyone who watches football. “Yes, for me it’s very clear, and everyone who watches the matches knows that,” he added.

Mbappe backs his own individual case

While Yamal is pointing to his long list of trophies, Mbappe has also forcefully made the case for his own Ballon d’Or credentials. The Real Madrid forward ended the season without silverware and suffered a 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat against Yamal’s Spain, but his personal numbers remain extremely strong.

The France captain pointed to his record-breaking goalscoring achievements, having become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, and argued that the Ballon d’Or should reward individual brilliance rather than team honours.

“I believe I can win it this year. It’s one of my goals, and a short-term one at that,” Mbappe said. “People say I didn’t win a trophy, but it’s an individual award... There was no player better than me. To score that many goals in the major competitions, where all the great players are, and of course at the World Cup, the biggest event.”

The countdown to London

The football world will find out the final winner when the Ballon d’Or ceremony is held in London on 26 October. Until then, both players will aim to carry their sensational form into the opening phase of the new season as they try to show exactly why each believes he is the best player on the planet.