Ballon d'Or showdown: Yamal puts himself ahead in battle

The Ballon d’Or race is heating up, with Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal claiming he deserves the prestigious individual award more than Kylian Mbappe.

Just days after Mbappe declared himself a strong candidate for this year’s prize, Yamal made a similar claim, putting himself and the France captain at the top of his list of the world’s two best players.

Yamal has remained in the spotlight throughout the year, not only for his performances on the pitch but also for his outspoken comments in interviews and press conferences.

The 18-year-old’s latest remarks came after he scored twice in Barcelona’s latest La Liga match, adding further fuel to the Ballon d’Or debate.

Speaking to Movistar’s Universo Valdano, in an interview scheduled to be released on Friday, Yamal said he believes he is the rightful winner of this year’s award.

“I really think there are probably two players who are the best in the world. For me, Kylian Mbappe and I are the two best players. Those who watch the matches know that well. But this year, I deserve to win the award,” Yamal said.

Mbappe, however, has also made no secret of his belief that he should take home the trophy.

The France captain recently argued that the Ballon d’Or should primarily reward individual performances, while acknowledging the importance of team success.

“I have always believed that the Ballon d’Or should be awarded based on a player’s performances. Of course, the team aspect is also important because football is a team sport. But this is an individual award,” Mbappe said.

“I believe I can win it this year. It is one of my goals.”

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, with a 30-player shortlist already announced.

Yamal’s supporters point to his impressive season, Barcelona’s success in La Liga and Spain’s World Cup triumph as key reasons why the teenage forward deserves to be crowned the world’s best player.