New Delhi, Sept. 14 -- Lamine Yamal has declared himself as one of the top two contenders to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or ain 2026. The 19-year-old had a dream-come-true year where he was named as LaLiga's best player in 2025-26 as Barcelona defended the title, and later played a key role in Spain's second FIFA World Cup triumph in North America.

Yamal, was runner-up to Ousmane Dembele last year, while Kylian Mbappe was third in 2023, when Lionel Messi won the award for a record eighth time. The Ballon d'Or will be awarded in London on October 26.

"I honestly believe there are two of us who are the best in the world, and this year I'd deserve it because of what I've won," Yamal said in an interview clip shared by Movistar on Sunday....