"I do not think I need to campaign for this award", Yamal said during a press conference on September 8, when asked about the Ballon d'Or race with Mbappe. "People can think whatever they want. I am proud of what I have done and cannot ask for more. That is your job; I will not plead for anything."

Lamine Yamal (left) vies for the ball with Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, US, on 14/7/2026. Photo: AP

The 19-year-old forward's comments attracted attention because Mbappe is also among the strong contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or and has recently presented arguments to convince experts. Spanish newspaper Marca even viewed Yamal's statement as a message to the Real Madrid forward.

"This year has been great for Barcelona and the national team. I have a chance to win the award because I had a great year. But we will wait and see", Yamal added.

Yamal has reason to be confident. Last season, he scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists, helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. Afterwards, the 19-year-old star and Spain won the 2026 World Cup. He also won Euro 2024 with the national team at just 17 years old.

In contrast, Mbappe experienced a trophy-less season with Real Madrid and the French national team. However, he remains a strong candidate due to his top scorer awards in the World Cup, Champions League, and La Liga.

The two players faced each other at the 2026 World Cup, where Yamal's Spain defeated Mbappe's France on their way to the championship. When asked about Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, not including him in his top three candidates—instead choosing Mbappe, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Harry Kane—Yamal replied with a jest. "He is Kylian's friend, right?", Yamal said.

Yamal later stated he is not bothered by Dembele's choices. "I am very satisfied with the past year. When I faced both, I won", the Barcelona star continued. "I have a very good relationship with Ousmane. I understand he wants to choose other players, and I am satisfied with my season."

US broadcaster CNN ranked Harry Kane, Mbappe, and Yamal among the top three candidates. Kane scored 73 goals for Bayern Munich and the England national team last season but did not win the Champions League or World Cup. Mbappe also had no major titles with his club and national team, while Yamal holds an advantage from his World Cup victory with Spain.

The list of 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or was announced on September 8, with Yamal, Mbappe, and Kane all featured. Lionel Messi also made the list, primarily due to his World Cup performance, but his chances of winning the award for the ninth time are considered low.

Yamal believes his current task is not to convince voters but to continue improving. The Barcelona forward's biggest goal is the Champions League, the title he still lacks in his collection.

Barcelona started this La Liga season with four wins and 17 goals. Hansi Flick's squad has also been strengthened by new signings like Rodri and Anthony Gordon, aiming to go further in the Champions League.

For Yamal, winning the Champions League could become a decisive factor if he wants to turn his World Cup advantage into a Ballon d'Or win. He acknowledges he is still very young and needs to continue developing rather than focusing on individual awards.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26. A journalist from each country in the FIFA top 100 will cast votes, selecting the 10 best players. Points from the ballots are tallied to determine the final rankings.

Xuan Binh (via Marca)