Lamine Yamal answers Mbappe in the 2026 Ballon d’Or campaign

Lamine Yamal has rejected the idea of campaigning for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after being asked about Kylian Mbappe’s public support for his own candidacy. The Barcelona forward spoke at a press conference on Tuesday, one day before his side begins its Champions League campaign at home against Feyenoord. The Ballon d’Or debate has intensified with the announcement of the 30 nominees, placing the two players’ contrasting approaches in focus.

Yamal said the outcome was not in his hands. “It does not depend on me, it depends on you,” he said, referring to the journalists who will vote. He added that his work with Barcelona and the Spain national team had been incredible and that he had produced an excellent year. His response placed the emphasis on his performances rather than on public campaigning.

Asked directly about Mbappe’s communication strategy, Yamal made clear that he would not follow the Real Madrid player’s approach. “I don’t think I need to campaign,” he said. “I am proud of what I have achieved and I cannot ask for anything more.” He then added: “I am not going to beg for anything.” The remark offered an indirect response to Mbappe’s repeated statements in favour of his own Ballon d’Or case.

Yamal also addressed Ousmane Dembele’s decision not to include him in the holder’s top three. The Barcelona player answered with a smile and a joke about Dembele’s friendship with Mbappe. “He is Kylian’s friend. No?” Yamal said, followed by laughter. He then dismissed the issue, saying that he did not care and that he was very happy with his year.

The young forward presented himself as unconcerned by the discussion surrounding the award. He said he was so happy that he did not understand why there had been so much debate. He also described his holiday as the best of his life and said he had never been happier than he is now. His comments suggested that the voting campaign had not altered his view of the season he had completed.

The previous Ballon d’Or standings give context to Yamal’s position. He finished second last year, behind Dembele, after Barcelona’s former player helped Paris Saint-Germain produce a decisive campaign. Dembele was subsequently crowned the winner. Yamal is now seeking to move from second place to the top of the voting, with the latest nomination list keeping him among the central figures in the award discussion.

His case includes major honours with both club and country. Yamal won the Spanish league title with Barcelona and was part of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning team, achievements that could shape the decision of the 100 voters. The material surrounding the award also identifies him as one of the leading players of the year, while Mbappe remains a prominent rival after being the leading scorer in Spain during each of the last two seasons.

The timing of the questions connected the individual award to the start of the European season. Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord is scheduled for Wednesday at 18:45 at home. Yamal therefore faced Ballon d’Or questions while preparing for an immediate club fixture, with his response separating the award conversation from his stated focus on his work for Barcelona and Spain.

The 30-player shortlist means Yamal’s place in the competition is already confirmed, but the final ranking remains with the voters. Dembele’s omission of him from a personal top three and Mbappe’s active public case have added a personal edge to the debate without changing Yamal’s stated position. He will not ask for votes, he says. His next public response will come on the pitch when Barcelona opens its Champions League campaign against Feyenoord.