Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has made it clear that he wants to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or and he believes his performances and achievements give him a strong case for the prestigious individual award.
The 19-year-old while speaking in am interview with L’Euippe said he believes he and Kylian Mbappé are currently the two best players in the world, while insisting that he deserves the Ballon d’Or because of what he achieved during the season.
Yamal helped Barcelona retain La Liga and was named the league’s best player for the 2025/26 season. He then played a role in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, further strengthening his case for the award. The teenager has also explained what he believes the Ballon d’Or should represent.
The award should recognise the player who makes fans want to watch football because of his quality and style, rather than simply the player with the most goals or trophies.
“Everyone who watches football knows what my arguments are. I have been able to win a lot of titles with Barça and, lately, I’ve been able to win the most important title, which is the World Cup with my national team. We want to keep winning and individually, I’m very happy.”
Yamal was also keen to stress that he does not intend to campaign or beg for the award, saying the final decision is ultimately in the hands of the voters. The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, 2025.