NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: SL Benfica Head Coach José Mourinho speaks to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against Newcastle United at St James' Park on October 20, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho was on Monday drawn on the head-turning recent comments laid out by Barcelona star Lamine Yamal regarding the Ballon d’Or.
This comes after the 19-year-old revealed his take that he should be considered the outright frontrunner to lift the prize.
Youngster Lamine was for his part included front and centre on the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 ‘Golden Ball’ last week. The winger is viewed as one of the very favourites to ultimately lift the trophy in Paris next month, fresh off a La Liga and World Cup double.
Speaking during an interview with Movistar early this week, Lamine therefore made use of the opportunity to push his own candidacy, assuring:
“Kylian Mbappé and I, we are the two best players in the world…but I think I’m the one who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.”
"Mbappé y yo somos los dos mejores del mundo, pero creo que este año el Balón de Oro me lo merecería yo".
‼️ 𝑳𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒀𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒍, en exclusiva en #UniversoValdano.#LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/YJmUZBVLaU
— Movistar Plus Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) September 13, 2026
During an ensuing press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga meeting with Elche on Tuesday, the aforementioned José Mourinho was in turn questioned on Lamine’s claims.
The Portuguese remained professional in his response, though, insisting:
“I respect all the opinions, but I’m not going to say anything. No comment.”
Conor Laird – GSFN