Marc Cucurella has declined to choose a favorite in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race between Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. The Real Madrid defender stated that both players have delivered performances worthy of the accolade and would be satisfied if either of them claims the trophy.
During an interview with Cadena SER, Cucurella mentioned he would like to see a Spanish player take home the award following their FIFA World Cup victory. At the same time, he acknowledged that Mbappe’s consistent goalscoring and tournament displays make him a strong candidate.
Both Mbappe and Yamal have been vocal contenders following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The Real Madrid forward argues his on-field impact justifies his candidacy, while the Barcelona teenager points to team silverware as proof of his credentials.
Yamal recently acknowledged Mbappe’s talent while maintaining that a single clear winner stands out for the prize. The young forward noted that he and the Frenchman are currently among the top performers globally.
Contenders will discover the official outcome when the annual gala takes place in London on October 26. The report also notes that and said, the Barcelona teenager believes that the two are the best players in the world right now. The report also notes that making him a good contender for the award, the defender added that Mbappe has scored goals and performed at the World Cup.
