Lamine Yamal believes his trophy haul gives him the strongest case to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but Kylian Mbappe insists individual excellence should outweigh the lack of silverware in what has become a two-man battle for the prestigious award.

The Barcelona forward, who helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup, considers himself and Real Madrid star Mbappe the two best players in the world and says his success with Barcelona and Spain should give him the edge when the winner is announced next month.

"Who would I give it to? The best player in the world,” Yamal said in an interview with MovistarPlus+, which is due to be broadcast Friday.

"Who are they going to give it to? That’s already a very long conversation.

"I sincerely believe that there are two of us in the world and this year I would deserve it for what I have won.

"For me, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world. For me it’s clear and everyone who watches the games knows it.”

Yamal enters the final stretch of the Ballon d’Or race after another impressive start to the new season.

He scored twice Sunday as Barcelona defeated Levante 4-2 away from home, taking his league tally to seven goals as the defending champions opened up a three-point lead at the top of La Liga.

His argument for the award is built around both individual production and major trophies.

Barcelona won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup last season, while Real Madrid ended the campaign without a major trophy. Yamal also played a prominent role in Spain’s World Cup triumph in North America, adding the biggest international prize in football to his growing collection of honors.

That success has strengthened the case for Yamal, who finished second in last year's Ballon d’Or voting behind Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele.

At 19, Yamal is again among the leading contenders and could become the youngest player to win the award if he prevails in London on Oct. 26.

Mbappe, however, has made an equally forceful case despite Real Madrid’s lack of silverware.

The France international scored 15 goals in the Champions League and 25 in La Liga before adding to his World Cup tally. He also became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, although France’s campaign ended with a 2-0 semifinal defeat by eventual champion Spain.

Speaking to France Football, Mbappe argued that the Ballon d’Or is an individual award and should not be determined solely by team trophies.

"I believe I can win it this year. It’s one of my goals, and a short-term one at that,” Mbappe said. "People say I didn’t win a trophy for club or country, but it’s an individual award.”

Mbappe was even more emphatic when asked whether he believed anyone had outperformed him.

"There was no player better than me,” he said.

He pointed to his scoring record in the biggest competitions, particularly his World Cup achievement, as evidence that his individual performances deserve recognition.

"My idea of the Ballon d’Or comes from the Messi and Ronaldo era. You don’t give it to ordinary players, you give it to players who are different,” Mbappe said. "I think I did things that were different this year, so I believe I can win it.”

Becoming the World Cup’s leading scorer was particularly significant for Mbappe because he surpassed Lionel Messi’s previous mark.

"It’s fantastic. That kind of achievement is different,” he said.

The contrasting arguments have created a compelling Ballon d’Or race. Yamal has the stronger trophy case, with domestic and World Cup honors, while Mbappe can point to extraordinary scoring numbers across the Champions League, La Liga and World Cup.

Other major contenders remain in the running, including Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, reigning winner Dembele and former winner Rodri, while Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland are also among the nominees.

Kane has emerged as another strong contender after a prolific season, while Dembele's Champions League success with PSG gives him a compelling case to retain the award.

Yamal has previously played down the idea of actively campaigning for the prize, saying he would not beg for votes despite believing he had enjoyed an exceptional season. His latest comments, however, leave little doubt about where he stands.

With the ceremony approaching, the Barcelona teenager is making his case on the basis of winning. Mbappe is making his on individual brilliance.

The final decision will be made by journalists voting on the 30-player shortlist, with performances, consistency and major achievements all forming part of the assessment.