Yamal Challenges Mbappe for Ballon d'Or, Says Award Belongs to Him

Staff Reporter | PNN

The race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or appears set to be highly competitive, with Barcelona's young forward Lamine Yamal making his claim for the prestigious award following confident remarks from French star Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe recently stated his position on the Ballon d'Or, saying that no player performed better than him last season. Following that statement, Yamal has also made it clear that he considers himself a strong contender for the recognition as the world's best player.

In an interview with Movistar Plus, 19-year-old Yamal said that, in his view, he and Mbappe are currently the two best footballers in the world. However, considering the success achieved and the trophies won during the last season, he believes the Ballon d'Or should go to him.

Yamal enjoyed an outstanding and consistent season with Barcelona. He scored 24 goals in 45 appearances and provided 17 assists. His performances helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

The young forward also played an important role for the national team. He made 12 appearances for Spain, scoring one goal and providing three assists, while contributing to the team's World Cup campaign.

However, alongside individual performances and goal-scoring records, English striker Harry Kane has emerged as another major contender in this year's Ballon d'Or race. During the last season, Kane scored 73 goals and provided eight assists in 65 appearances for club and country combined.

Kane played a significant role as Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga and German Cup. His performances were also important in helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Meanwhile, the venue for this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony will also change. Instead of Paris, the award ceremony will be held in London on October 26. The change has been made to mark the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or.

Since 2019, the prestigious football award ceremony has regularly been held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This year, however, the grand event will move to London.

Yamal, Mbappe and Kane are therefore among the leading names in this year's Ballon d'Or race, although other contenders are also in contention. The biggest question for football fans now is who will ultimately lift the prestigious award.