Barcelona sensation claims he deserves Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappe: ‘I deserve it this year because…’

Barcelona sensation claims he deserves Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappe: ‘I deserve it this year because…’ The Ballon d’Or debate has taken a more personal turn, with Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal making their respective cases for the prize after both emerged as leading contenders among the 30 nominees for the 2026 award . The shortlist has intensified the discussion ahead of the ceremony on October 26, with the Barcelona winger and Real Madrid forward offering contrasting assessments of their own claims.  Mbappe was the first of the pair to make his position clear. “I have made a lot of history in the most important competition in sport; it is a good year to win the Ballon d’Or,” he stated That argument is built around both his individual numbers and his impact for France.  The Real Madrid forward became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals and played a major role in France reaching the semi-finals. Lamine Yamal feels he has a strong case to win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) His club campaign was equally productive, having finished the season with 42 goals and seven assists for Real Madrid. Yamal believes his season gives him the edge At the same time, Yamal has no intention of conceding the argument. The Barcelona star, who finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting, believes he and Mbappe are the two strongest candidates and has made it clear that he would choose himself if given the vote. “Who would I give it to? The best in the world. Who are they going to give it to? That’s a very long discussion. I honestly think that maybe there are two of us who are the best in the world.  “And I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won. Because for me, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world.  “For me, it’s very clear, and everyone who watches the games knows it,” he explains in a preview of Universo Valdano . Mbappe is in the running to win the award as well. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) From a neutral perspective, there is substance behind Yamal’s confidence, as he played a central role in Spain’s World Cup triumph while his club statistics also stand out.  Yamal scored 24 goals and supplied 18 assists across all competitions, while helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. Mbappe vs Yamal could define the Ballon d’Or race The comparison is compelling because both players can point to a major international tournament and outstanding individual output, but their cases are built around slightly different strengths. Mbappe’s World Cup record is difficult to overlook, as becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer while helping France reach the semi-finals gives the Frenchman a landmark achievement that will carry considerable weight in the voting. Yamal, on the other hand, can point to his contribution to Spain’s World Cup victory as well as a stronger trophy haul at club level.  Barcelona’s La Liga title, combined with his 24 goals and 18 assists, gives him a strong statistical and sporting case.