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Lamin Gamal asserted that his victory in the World Cup with Spain and his Spanish League title with Barcelona should give him the edge over French player Kylian Mbappe in the race to win the Golden Ball award this year.
Lamin Gamal won the Best Player in the Spanish League award for the 2025-2026 season after his team Barcelona successfully defended the title, and he also played a key role in his national team Spain's victory in the World Cup 2026.
In contrast, Mbappe, the star of Real Madrid and the French national team, was the top scorer in the World Cup 2026 as well as in the Spanish League and the UEFA Champions League, and last week he said that there was no better player than him last season, despite his failure to win any title.
Lamin Gamal said in a video clip from an interview published by the Spanish station " Movistar " the day before yesterday " I sincerely believe that we ( me and Mbappe ) are the only two players who deserve to be described as the best in the world, and I deserve the award this year for my achievements".
He added " For me, me and Mbappe are the best in the world. This is clear to me, and everyone who watches football knows it".
Lamin Gamal finished second in the Golden Ball race behind the French national team and Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele last year, while Mbappe was third in 2023, when Lionel Messi won the award for the eighth time, setting his record.
The Golden Ball award for this year will be presented in London on 26 October next.
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