Ballon d'Or: Dembélé excluded from debate, Yamal declares best with Mbappé

As the verdict of October 26 approaches, the race for the Ballon d’Or intensifies: on one side, Lamine Yamal declares himself the best player in the world alongside Kylian Mbappé; on the other, Ousmane Dembélé is officially excluded from the debate.

Lamine Yamal's Statements

After Kylian Mbappé, who spent a long time talking to France Football to promote himself, the prodigy of FC Barcelona gave an interview to Movistar Plus. It will be broadcast in full on September 18, where Yamal claims to be the best player on the planet… with Mbappé.

« Kylian Mbappé and I are the best players in the world for me! It’s very clear to me, and everyone who watches the matches knows it », said Lamine Yamal. He adds: « Now, I think I deserve the Ballon d’Or this year for what I’ve achieved ».

Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembélé explains the mindset that leads to the top

Exclusion of Ousmane Dembélé from the debate

The interview also mentions that Dembélé, as well as Harry Kane and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, are excluded from the debate, leaving the field open for Yamal and Mbappé. The text specifies that the ‘French genius’ cannot put forward the same arguments as the young Spanish winger.

Yamal, 19 years old, justifies his ambition by recalling his 24 goals and 18 assists, his Spanish league title with FC Barcelona, his election as the league’s best player and even a World Cup won with Spain.

Noise around the Ballon d'Or threatens Mbappé and Yamal's chances

The suspense grows as October 26 approaches, the date on which France Football will announce the Ballon d’Or winner. The controversy surrounding Dembélé’s exclusion fuels the discussions and shows how open the voting still is.