Yamal says he deserves Ballon d’Or after trophy-laden year
The 19-year-old strengthens his claim after helping Barcelona retain La Liga before becoming world champion with Spain.
Lamine Yamal has declared that he and Kylian Mbappe are the two greatest footballers in the world, and asserted that he is entitled to the 2026 Ballon d'Or following an illustrious year with Barcelona and Spain. The 19-year-old Barcelona forward made these remarks in an interview with Movistar Plus, excerpts of which were released on Sunday.
He confidently stated that he believes Mbappe and himself are at the pinnacle of the sport, and that with his trophy haul, he believes he should be awarded the prestigious individual accolade. Yamal supported Barcelona in securing their La Liga title before becoming world champions with Spain this summer, bolstering his argument for the most coveted prize in football.
He initially maintained a more subdued position at a press conference the previous Tuesday, acknowledging that he has a strong case after an extraordinary season, but declining to campaign for votes. Meanwhile, Mbappe has also vouched for his candidacy for the award in recent days. As the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup, he has been the subject of attention despite Real Madrid failing to clinch any major honors.
Yamal's fellow Barcelona and Spain teammate Ousmane Dembele, last year's Ballon d'Or winner, believes the award should remain with a Paris Saint-Germain player following the French club's Champions League triumph. England international Harry Kane is also among the frontrunners for the award, which will be presented in London on October 26.
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