Kylian Mbappe has responded to Lamine Yamal’s bold Ballon d’Or claim with praise for the Barcelona teenager, while making it clear that he would rather let his performances make the case for him.
Yamal recently backed himself to win the 2026 award, naming Mbappe as his main rival. Speaking to AS, Mbappe was asked about the teenager and his own chances of winning the prestigious individual prize.
“I think he is a very talented player and I have the feeling that he is going to have a great career. I wish him all the best,” Mbappe said.
Rather than engaging in a direct exchange with Yamal, Mbappe kept his response measured and turned the focus towards his own performances.
“My opinion is that this is a good year to win it. My best lawyer is my feet. No matter how much I talk,” Mbappe said. He also said he wants the award to return to Real Madrid and the Bernabeu.
The response comes with the Ballon d’Or debate entering its final stage, with the 30-man shortlist already confirmed and voting underway.
MBAPPE’S NUMBERS MAKE CASE
Mbappe’s individual numbers provide a strong foundation for his claim. He scored 42 goals and provided seven assists for Real Madrid in 2025-26, including 25 goals in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League. He then scored 10 times at the 2026 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot.
His biggest drawback is the lack of major team silverware. Real Madrid did not win a major trophy last season, while France were eliminated by Spain in the World Cup semi-finals. Yamal, meanwhile, helped Barcelona retain La Liga and Spain win the World Cup.
Yamal finished the club season with 24 goals and 17 assists, producing 41 goal involvements for Barcelona. He also led La Liga players for assists and chances created across all competitions.
Crucially, the Ballon d’Or does not consider their impressive starts to 2026-27. The official assessment period ran from August 3, 2025 to July 19, 2026, covering the entire 2025-26 season and the World Cup. Individual performance is the first criterion, followed by team achievements and fair play.
KANE, DEMBELE ALSO IN MIX
The race is wider than the Mbappe-Yamal conversation. Harry Kane, defending champion Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Achraf Hakimi, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi are among the other 30 nominees.
Kane’s individual numbers stand out, with the Bayern Munich striker scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26. Dembele, meanwhile, returns as the defending Ballon d’Or winner after his 2025 triumph.
With the voting based on performances already completed, neither Mbappe nor Yamal can alter their 2026 cases now. The winner will be announced in London on October 26.
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