Lamine Yamal makes his Ballon d’Or case: ‘I’d deserve it’

Lamine Yamal in a recent interview made his case for winning the Ballon d’Or especially at a time when the debate surrounding winning the prestigious award has gained momentum.

The Barcelona forward made the statement in a preview for his upcoming Universo Valdano interview, just days after scoring a brace against Valencia.

Yamal named himself alongside Kylian Mbappe as one of the two players he believes stand above the rest this year.

When asked about who could be the winner, Yamal said, “Who would I give it to? The best player in the world. Who are they going to give it to?”

“Honestly, as the best in the world, I think there might be two of us, me and Mbappe, but I think this year I’d deserve it for what I’ve achieved.”

“Everyone who watches the matches knows that,” the Barça forward added.

In a Movistar interview, Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal, born in 2007, declared that even legends like Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona, and Pelé didn't achieve as much at his age. He helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup, starred in their 2024 Euros victory, and contributed to Barcelona's La Liga titles.

“There are great players like Messi, Cristiano and Maradona… but I think it’s NEVER happened before that someone has won so much at such an early age”.

“There was Pelé, but in recent times… never, I think. People have this mindset that because I’ve won, maybe I’ll RELAX with my career at some point: NO”.

“I know I have a thousand things to do to stay in football history”, told Movistar.

He also reflected on Spain's World Cup win, admitting injuries kept him from his best despite a solid showing. Yamal emphasized his drive to keep achieving at a young age never seen before, with the ceremony set for October 26 in London.