Yamal says he and Mbappé are world's top two players, eyes Ballon d’Or

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona winger, said he and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé are the two best players in the world, stating that even if England had won the 2026 World Cup, his view wouldn’t change. He made the claim in an interview with Movistar, adding that the Ballon d’Or rewards the best player, not the World Cup winner.

For Nigerian football fans, the claim highlights the ongoing debate over who deserves the Ballon d’Or, especially as African players continue to chase the award. Yamal’s confidence reflects the high stakes of individual accolades in a sport where global recognition can influence transfers, endorsements, and legacy. His comment also fuels the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, two clubs with massive followings in Nigeria.

Yamal noted he has an edge over Mbappé because he plays for Barcelona and has beaten him in trophies, believing he deserves the Ballon d’Or this year. The award voting typically concludes in November, with the ceremony later that month. Fans can follow the Ballon d’Or race via official FIFA platforms or sports news outlets to see if Yamal’s claim holds up. Do you think Yamal’s trophy edge over Mbappé justifies his Ballon d’Or claim, or should other factors like individual statistics and team success weigh more?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/18/2026-ballon-dor-lamine-yamal-names-best-two-players-in-the-world/