Yamal says he deserves Ballon d’Or over Mbappe, calls them world’s best
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal said he and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe are the two best players in the world and that he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Mbappe. The claim came in an interview with Movistar, published September 14, 2026. Both players are on the 30-man shortlist for this year’s award.
Yamal pointed to his trophy haul with Barcelona and Spain: LaLiga, Copa del Rey and the World Cup. Mbappe, meanwhile, was highlighted as the top scorer in the Champions League, LaLiga and the World Cup during the same period.
For Nigerian football fans, the debate highlights what voters value—team success versus individual goal-scoring prowess—and shows how young global stars are shaping the conversation around football’s top individual prize. It also underscores the increasing visibility of players with African heritage competing at the highest level.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced later this year. Fans can watch the ceremony, review the candidates’ stats, and consider whether trophies or scoring excellence should weigh more in deciding football’s best player.