Ballon d'Or race heats up: Yamal's self-praise draws criticism, Matthäus backs Kane as favourite

Yamal's claim

Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal told Movistar Plus+ that, in his view, there are currently two best players in the world — himself and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé — but that he is the one who deserves this year's Ballon d'Or. As reported by Jordan News, Yamal has contributed to 42 goals in 45 matches for Barcelona this season (24 goals, 18 assists), won the Spanish league and Spanish Super Cup with the club, and lifted the World Cup with Spain over the summer, scoring once in eight matches at the tournament.

Criticism from Abelardo

Former Barcelona defender Abelardo Fernández, speaking to Marca, criticised Yamal's tone, invoking the modesty of Barcelona and football legend Lionel Messi. "I didn't like what Lamine Yamal said. He can think it, but he shouldn't say it, because it makes him look bad," Abelardo said, adding that he was equally unimpressed by a similar interview given by Mbappé. He noted he had never once heard Messi make such statements about himself.

Matthäus's assessment

German football legend Lothar Matthäus told Sky Sport that Yamal and Mbappé are among the best players in the world, but that neither stands out as the clear favourite for the award. According to Goal.com, Matthäus said Yamal's level last season did not reflect his true ability, though the Barcelona winger edges Mbappé on trophies, since the Frenchman won nothing with Real Madrid or the French national team during the eligibility period. Matthäus's own favourite, however, is Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, citing his Golden Boot, World Cup goals, and decisive Champions League strikes, as well as titles won with Bayern and semi-final runs in both the Champions League and the World Cup.

Context

Kane himself has avoided such public declarations, saying the Ballon d'Or outcome is "out of my hands" and preferring to let his performances speak for themselves.