Real Madrid News
Barcelona sensation claims he deserves Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappe: ‘I deserve it this year because…’
The Ballon d’Or debate has taken a more personal turn, with Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal making their respective cases for the prize after both emerged as leading contenders among the 30 nominees for the 2026 award.
The shortlist has intensified the discussion ahead of the ceremony on October 26, with the Barcelona winger and Real Madrid forward offering contrasting assessments of their own claims.
Mbappe was the first of the pair to make his position clear.
“I have made a lot of history in the most important competition in sport; it is a good year to win the Ballon d’Or,” he stated
That argument is built around both his individual numbers and his impact for France.
The Real Madrid forward became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals and played a major role in France reaching the semi-finals.
His club campaign was equally productive, having finished the season with 42 goals and seven assists for Real Madrid.
Yamal believes his season gives him the edge
At the same time, Yamal has no intention of conceding the argument.
The Barcelona star, who finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting, believes he and Mbappe are the two strongest candidates and has made it clear that he would choose himself if given the vote.
“Who would I give it to? The best in the world. Who are they going to give it to? That’s a very long discussion. I honestly think that maybe there are two of us who are the best in the world.
“And I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won. Because for me, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world.
“For me, it’s very clear, and everyone who watches the games knows it,” he explains in a preview of Universo Valdano.
From a neutral perspective, there is substance behind Yamal’s confidence, as he played a central role in Spain’s World Cup triumph while his club statistics also stand out.
Yamal scored 24 goals and supplied 18 assists across all competitions, while helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
Mbappe vs Yamal could define the Ballon d’Or race
The comparison is compelling because both players can point to a major international tournament and outstanding individual output, but their cases are built around slightly different strengths.
Mbappe’s World Cup record is difficult to overlook, as becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer while helping France reach the semi-finals gives the Frenchman a landmark achievement that will carry considerable weight in the voting.
Yamal, on the other hand, can point to his contribution to Spain’s World Cup victory as well as a stronger trophy haul at club level.
Barcelona’s La Liga title, combined with his 24 goals and 18 assists, gives him a strong statistical and sporting case.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
