Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has this week reiterated his take that he and Real Madrid frontman Kylian Mbappé should be considered the two standout players in world football.
This of course comes amid mounting media chatter surrounding the pair ahead of the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Upon the nominees for the 2026 ‘Golden Ball’ being unveiled last week, attackers Lamine and Mbappé featured front and centre on the 30-man shortlist.
The pair are considered as being amongst the very frontrunners to lift the prize, alongside Bayern Munich goalscorer Harry Kane.
Lamine was instrumental in Spain marching all the way to glory at this summer’s World Cup, whilst Mbappé shattered the tournament’s all-time goalscoring record en route to a semi-final exit.
Speaking during an interview with Movistar (as cited by Fabrizio Romano) this week, the former was in turn asked for his opinion on the debate surrounding the game’s very best players.
And Lamine did not hesitate in explaining:
“Even if England had won the World Cup, I’d still say that Mbappé and I are the two best players in the world.
“The Ballon d’Or isn’t about who wins; it’s for the best player. It’s a different concept.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
