CONFIDENT Lamine Yamal fired shots at his Ballon d’Or competitors as the wonderkid believes he “deserves” the major award.
The Barcelona star lifted the LaLiga trophy last season, along with the World Cup.
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Now, with Bayern Munich and England ace Harry Kane listed as favourite, the 19-year-old has made his claim on the prestigious accolade.
Yamal admitted: “I think I deserve it this year, because of what I’ve won.
“Who would I give it to? The best player in the world. Who are they going to give it to?
“That’s a very long discussion…”
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The Spain international lifted the World Cup for the second time in the nation’s history.
And at club level, they won the league.
But they only made the Champions League quarter-finals after Atletico Madrid beat them 3-2 on aggregate.
He said: “I sincerely believe that there are two of us who are the best in the world, and this year I deserve it for what I’ve won.
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“For me, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world. For me, it’s clear, and everyone who watches the matches knows it.”
But the Barca wonderkid has not always been this bold.
At his Champions League press conference ahead of his Feyenoord showdown, Yamal said: “It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on you.
“I don’t think I need to campaign. Everyone can think what they want.
“It’s your job, I won’t beg for anything.”
Boss Hansi Flick noted how “special” a player the Spaniard is, while club vice-president revealed he hopes that “justice is served” and Yamal is handed the prestigious award.
Unfortunately for the winger, there are other stars in the running.
Sky Bet have Kane leading the way at 4/7, while Yamal is handed 11/4 odds.
New Barca signing Rodri comes in third place, leaving Kylian Mbappe on 6/1 odds in fourth.
Last 10 Ballon d’Or winners
- 2025 – Ousmane Dembele
- 2024 – Rodri
- 2023 – Lionel Messi
- 2022 – Karim Benzema
- 2021 – Lionel Messi
- 2019 – Lionel Messi
- 2018 – Luka Modric
- 2017 – Cristiano Ronaldo
- 2016 – Cristiano Ronaldo
- 2015 – Lionel Messi
- 2014 – Cristiano Ronaldo