Sports Desk || The Ballon d’Or race between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe appears to be heating up off the pitch as well, with the Barcelona forward now claiming that he deserves the prestigious award more than the French star.In an interview with Movistar’s Universo Valdano, Yamal said he believes he is the more deserving candidate to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. Although the full interview is scheduled to be released on Friday, excerpts have already been published, sparking discussion.Asked about the world’s best players, Yamal said there are only two at the top of the list himself and Mbappe. He added confidently that “those who watch matches regularly know” who the better player is.The comments come just days after Mbappe also made a case for himself for this year’s individual prize. The Real Madrid forward acknowledged the importance of team success alongside individual performances and said winning the Ballon d’Or is one of his short-term goals.Yamal, however, has the stronger claim in terms of team success. Spain defeated Mbappe’s France in the World Cup semi-final before going on to lift the trophy. The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26. The 30-player shortlist for the award has already been announced.