Mbappe beats Yamal to La Liga player of the month award

Kylian Mbappe has moved ahead of Lamine Yamal in their individual battle after being named La Liga’s Player of the Month for October.

The Real Madrid French forward claimed the monthly honour for the first time ahead of Barcelona’s teenage sensation, marking a milestone in their personal rivalry.

Mbappe and Yamal were among five nominees for the award, alongside Real Sociedad’s Goncalo Guedes, Atletico Madrid’s Alejandro Grimaldo and Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro.

Mbappe eventually emerged as the winner thanks to an impressive scoring run during the month.

The Real Madrid forward scored four goals in just three La Liga appearances in October. He netted twice against Sevilla before producing another brace in the El Clasico against Barcelona.

Real Madrid won the high-profile encounter 2-1 at Spotify Camp Nou, with Mbappe playing a decisive role in the victory.

His four goals took his La Liga tally to 11, while two assists brought his total goal contributions to 13 by the end of October.

Yamal, however, was also impressive during the month. The Barcelona winger scored once and provided two assists in three league appearances, registering three direct goal contributions.

Despite losing the monthly award, Yamal remained ahead of Mbappe in overall season statistics at the end of October. He had scored eight goals and provided six assists, taking his total goal contributions to 14, compared with Mbappe’s 13.

But Mbappe’s four goals during October proved decisive in the race for the monthly accolade.

Both players had also been prominent contenders in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. England forward Harry Kane eventually claimed the prestigious award, with Mbappe finishing second and Yamal behind him. Yamal, however, won the Kopa Trophy as the best young player.

Mbappe’s latest achievement has added another chapter to the growing rivalry between the two forwards.

Their individual contest is also adding extra excitement to the battle between Spanish football’s traditional rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona, for domestic supremacy.