Super-agent Jorge Mendes picks Lamine Yamal over Mbappe for Ballon d’Or: ‘Best by a very long way’

Super-agent Jorge Mendes picks Lamine Yamal over Mbappe for Ballon d’Or: ‘Best by a very long way’ Jorge Mendes has thrown his full weight behind Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or bid , declaring the Barcelona winger the clear choice for the prestigious individual prize. Mendes, who represents Yamal and several other members of Hansi Flick’s squad, made the claim after spending around two hours having dinner with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Alejandro Echevarria in Catalonia. As journalists waited outside, the Portuguese super-agent was asked about the Ballon d’Or race, with voting already taking place and Yamal and Kylian Mbappe both publicly making their cases. “The Ballon d’Or is for Lamine Yamal, without a doubt,” Mendes said. Mendes doubles down on Yamal The agent was not finished there. Asked again about the award, Mendes reiterated his belief that his client deserves the prize more than anyone else. Jorge Mendes has backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) “The Ballon d’Or is for Lamine Yamal; he is the one who deserves it most,” he added. Mendes then offered an even stronger assessment of Yamal’s standing in world football, stating, “He’s the best in the world by a long way, by a very long way, and you know it.” Barcelona meeting not linked to transfers Meanwhile, it is crucial to note that Mendes’ dinner with Laporta was not understood to be a transfer meeting.  In fact, as reported before, the gathering was a routine discussion between the club hierarchy and an agent who represents several players at the club, rather than preparation for business in an upcoming transfer window. Lamine Yamal’s only competition for Ballon d’Or is Kylian Mbappe. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Notably, though, Barcelona did conduct late summer business involving Mendes clients.  Joao Cancelo completed a permanent move to the club on a three-year contract, while Marc Casado joined Deportivo de A Coruña on loan for the season. Balde’s future remains unchanged Alejandro Balde was another Mendes client to attract attention, particularly after reports of Premier League interest emerged while his role under Flick became less prominent. When asked about Balde, Mendes offered only a brief response: “He’ll do well in the future; you’ll see.” As such, there is currently no indication of a planned move for the Barcelona left-back. Source: Mundo Deportivo