Yamal feels World Cup triumph should aid Ballon d'Or bid

Lamine Yamal believes lifting the World Cup with Spain should aid his hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or, with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe viewed as his main rivals. 

Yamal helped La Roja win their second world title in North America this year, although his individual impact at the tournament was limited after his 2025-26 season was ended prematurely by a hamstring injury.

He registered 24 goals and 17 assists in 45 outings across all competitions last season, helping Barcelona retain their LaLiga title, with his 41 combined goal involvements being the sixth-most of any player from Europe's top five leagues. 

Yamal also attempted (429) and completed (225) the most dribbles of any player, while his 59 chances created following carries were also the most. 

On Tuesday, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente declared one of his players should win the prize, just as Rodri did when they triumphed at Euro 2024.

And Yamal, who has not been shy about making his case as the October 26 ceremony inches closer, concurs with that view. 

"It's the award for the best player of the year, a player who is different, who is a pleasure to watch play, the one who has that magic, who makes you smile, who makes you want to watch a game just for him," Yamal said in an interview with L'Equipe.

"I think my way of playing is my strongest argument and what makes me different. 

"It's very important, in addition to being a good player, that you make your team win.

"The advantage I have is that I have been able to win the World Cup this year and, obviously, that is a plus for me.

"But if a person says, 'Lionel Messi deserves it' or 'Rodri deserves it', that's totally respectable."

Having come through the ranks at Barca, Yamal has faced plenty of comparisons to Messi, who he outshone in the World Cup final as Spain edged out Argentina in extra time.

But the 19-year-old wants to be remembered on his own terms, saying: "I play to make history, so that in 30 years' time, young people will say, 'he was really very good too'.  

"But I don't want to compare myself to anyone. I want to be Lamine Yamal, I want to be remembered as Lamine Yamal, and I hope to be among the greats."

Yamal will be in action for Spain on Saturday, as they go to Wembley to face England in their opening Nations League fixture, defending a 38-game unbeaten run (W29 D9), which is the longest ever streak by a European nation.