Flick backs Yamal's Ballon d'Or 2026 ambitions against Mbappé

Hansi Flick has given explicit backing to Lamine Yamal in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, two days after the FC Barcelona prodigy positioned himself ahead of Kylian Mbappé for football’s most prestigious individual award.

In an interview with Movistar Plus, set to air in full on September 18, Yamal initially placed Mbappé and himself on equal footing: “Kylian Mbappé and I are the best players in the world for me. It’s very clear, and everyone who watches the matches knows it.” Before going further: “Now, I think I deserve the Ballon d’Or this year for what I’ve won.”

When asked about these comments at a press conference on Tuesday, the German manager made no attempt to rein in his player. “Lamine Yamal? I think he’s just being honest, he has that confidence in himself, and he’s shown at the start of this season just how strong he is. He’s an exceptional player,” he said.

Flick did, however, nuance his position on the nature of the media comments: “I would have preferred he didn’t position himself that way, but it’s normal that he wants to win the Ballon d’Or, it’s an important trophy. He’s just saying what he feels, and I’ll continue to support him.”

The Barcelona coach then listed the arguments that, in his view, justify his 19-year-old player’s candidacy: “He says he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, and I also think he deserves it. He won two titles with us and the World Cup with Spain, so why not?”

Yamal, World Cup champion 2026 with the Roja and double winner at club level with Barça in the previous season, is shaping up as one of the strongest contenders for the award, in a race that promises to be wide open against Mbappé and other candidates.