Lamine Yamal has admitted that he was not satisfied with his individual performance at the 2026 World Cup despite helping Spain achieve success on the international stage.
“For any other player, with my performance it would have been a great World Cup… NOT for me,” Yamal told Movistar. “I wasn’t happy with how I played. I really want the World Cup one to come.”
Softfootball understands that Yamal’s comments underline the exceptionally high standards he has set for himself after another outstanding season with Barcelona and Spain. The 19-year-old remains one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after helping Barcelona retain LaLiga and playing a key role in Spain’s World Cup triumph.
Despite his disappointment with his own display, Yamal’s confidence has not diminished. He has openly backed his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, with Kylian Mbappé regarded as his main rival for the prestigious award.
His Barcelona teammate João Cancelo has also thrown his support behind Yamal, insisting that the teenager should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Cancelo praised Yamal’s extraordinary season and described him as deserving of the individual prize.
Yamal will now look to use his disappointment as motivation, with the Barcelona star determined to return to the World Cup stage and deliver the kind of performance he believes his talent demands. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London. His remarkable breakthrough season has placed him among the elite contenders, fueling his desire to secure football’s ultimate individual prize and solidify his legacy on the global stage.
