Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal have been nominated for La Liga’s player of the month award for October, just days after both finished behind Harry Kane in the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The Real Madrid forward and Barcelona winger are among five candidates selected by the league, alongside Goncalo Guedes of Real Sociedad, Alejandro Grimaldo of Atletico de Madrid and Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro.
Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Mbappe and Yamal, who finished second and third respectively in football’s most prestigious individual award.
Mbappe leads October scoring
Mbappe’s nomination is supported by four goals in three La Liga appearances during October.
He scored twice against Sevilla before adding another two goals against Barcelona in El Clasico, which Real Madrid won 2-1 at Spotify Camp Nou.
The France forward has now scored 11 league goals this season and provided two assists, giving him 13 direct goal contributions. That places him second in the scoring charts behind Barcelona’s Raphinha, who has 13 goals.
Mbappe’s goals also helped Real Madrid record three successive league victories in October. The results reduced their deficit to leaders Barcelona to three points and strengthened their challenge for the title.
Barcelona are scheduled to play Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on 31 October, while Real Madrid face Racing Santander on 01 November.
Yamal maintains strong overall record
Yamal scored once and set up two goals in three league matches during October, giving him three direct contributions over the month.
Although Mbappe produced more goals and goal contributions during the period, Yamal’s nomination reflects his continuing influence in Barcelona’s attack and his regular involvement in individual award contests.
Across the season, Yamal has scored eight La Liga goals and supplied six assists, taking his total to 14 goal contributions. Mbappe has 11 goals and two assists, one contribution fewer overall.
The award offers both players an opportunity to respond after missing out on the Ballon d’Or. Yamal did win the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, while Mbappe is seeking another individual honour after finishing behind Raphinha in the September player of the month vote.
Mbappe has the better scoring record for October, but Yamal holds a narrow advantage for total league goal contributions this season.
The winner will be announced at a later date, with Real Madrid and Barcelona continuing their contest at the top of La Liga.
