Ballon d’Or Race Heats Up As Yamal Names Mbappé His Only Serious Rival

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has identified Kylian Mbappé as his only serious rival in this year’s Ballon d’Or race, insisting that both forwards stand out as the two best players in the world following their impressive campaigns.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Yamal believes his achievements with Barcelona and Spain have strengthened his claim for the prestigious individual award. The young winger helped Barcelona retain the LaLiga title before playing a significant role in Spain’s World Cup triumph in North America.

Mbappé, meanwhile, enjoyed a remarkable individual campaign, finishing as the leading scorer in the World Cup, LaLiga and Champions League. However, despite his impressive scoring record, the French forward ended the season without a major team trophy.

Yamal was named LaLiga’s best player for the 2025-26 season after helping Barcelona secure another league title. He subsequently contributed to Spain’s successful World Cup campaign, further boosting his credentials for the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking in an interview clip shared by Movistar, Yamal expressed confidence in his chances of winning the award, arguing that his collection of team honours makes him deserving of the prize.

The Barcelona star said he considers himself and Mbappé to be the two best players in the world and believes their performances clearly separate them from the other contenders.

Yamal finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting behind Ousmane Dembélé, and the teenager is now hoping to go one step further by claiming the award this year.

Mbappé has also remained a prominent contender in recent Ballon d’Or races, having finished third in the 2023 voting won by Lionel Messi.

The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or is scheduled to be announced in London on October 26, with Yamal and Mbappé expected to feature prominently among the leading candidates for the prestigious individual honour.