Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has shared his thoughts on the debate surrounding the 2026 Ballon d'Or award.

The 19-year-old, who finished as runner-up to Ousmane Dembele last year, is gunning for the coveted prize this year following his successful World Cup campaign with Spain.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League opener against Feyenoord, the highly rated youngster stated that he will not campaign or beg for the award, citing his achievements with Barça and the national team as testament to his performance last season.

Responding directly to Kylian Mbappe's initial claim to the prestigious award, Yamal said:

"I don't think I need to campaign for the Ballon d'Or. Everyone is entitled to think whatever they want.

"I'm not here to campaign, and I'm not going to beg for anything. That's your job. It's not on me.

"Winning the Ballon d'Or does not depend on me.

"The work we've done with Barça and the national team has been unbelievable.

"I'll be grateful to my teammates at Barça and with the national team if I win it, of course."

WDN