Lamine Yamal Challenges Mbappé for the Ballon d’Or: ‘I Deserve It’

Lamine Yamal Puts Himself Ahead of Mbappé

Lamine Yamal has no doubts about who should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The Barcelona forward believes there are currently two players who stand above the rest, himself and Kylian Mbappé, but if he had to choose the winner, he would pick himself because of everything he achieved last season.

“Who would I give it to? The best player in the world. Who are they going to give it to? Honestly, I think there are probably two of us who are the best in the world, me and Mbappé, but I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won. Everyone who watches the games knows it,” Lamine said in a preview of his interview with Universo Valdano, which will air on Movistar+ on September 18.

The 19-year-old has a strong case ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London. Lamine won LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, produced his best-ever attacking numbers with 24 goals and 18 assists, and then lifted the World Cup with Spain.

Even Winning the World Cup Wasn’t Enough for Lamine

The Barcelona star’s ambition became even clearer when discussing his performances for Spain. Despite becoming a world champion, Lamine admitted he finished the tournament feeling he could have delivered considerably more on an individual level.

“After winning the World Cup, I wasn’t happy,” he admitted. Although he had to deal with an injury, the forward refused to use it as an excuse and argued that his influence on games went beyond what could be measured through goals and assists.

Lamine pointed to his ability to attract as many as three defenders and create space for his teammates. His personal standards, however, are different: he believes a performance that might be considered an excellent World Cup for another player was not enough for him, and he is already looking forward to another opportunity to prove it.

A Stunning Trophy Collection at Just 19

The scale of Lamine’s achievements becomes even more remarkable when considering his age. At just 19 years old, he has already won a European Championship, a World Cup, three LaLiga titles, two Spanish Super Cups and a Copa del Rey.

Lamine compared his remarkably early success with some of the greatest players in football history, mentioning Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona and Pelé. But he made it clear that winning so much so young will not diminish his hunger for more.

“Some people think that because I’ve already won, at some point I’ll relax, but I know I still have a thousand things to do to leave my mark on football history,” he said. For Lamine, winning at such a young age is not the destination but only the beginning of what he wants to accomplish.

Barcelona Backs Lamine’s Ballon d’Or Bid

Lamine is not alone in believing he deserves the Ballon d’Or. Within Barcelona, his candidacy has received public backing from head coach Hansi Flick, sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has also backed the teenager, whose performances continue to strengthen his case on the pitch. On Sunday, Lamine scored twice at the Ciutat de València to reach six LaLiga goals, drawing level with Raphinha, Mbappé and Sergio Camello at the top of the scoring charts.

The final decision belongs to the voters, but Lamine has already made his own choice clear. He recognizes Mbappé as his biggest rival for the throne of world football, but believes his performances and trophy haul from last season should tip the Ballon d’Or race in his favor.

The Keys to Lamine’s Ballon d’Or Challenge

• Lamine believes he and Mbappé are currently the two best players in the world, but says his trophy haul makes him more deserving of the Ballon d’Or.
• The Spaniard backs his case with LaLiga, the Spanish Super Cup, the World Cup and a 24-goal, 18-assist season with Barcelona.
• At just 19, Lamine insists his remarkable collection of trophies will not diminish his ambition to become one of the defining players in football history.

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