Kylian Mbappe thinks this is a good year to be the first player to win the Ballon d’Or, but admits it is up to journalists to make the final call. The former France captain had yet another standout season with Real Madrid, helping them to 42 goals in 44 games last season. His superb performances didn’t lead to any trophies though, as the Spanish giants finished the season without a big prize.
In the 2026 World Cup, Mbappe further enhanced his individual stats, netting 10 goals and winning the Golden Boot. France came fourth at the World Cup, but in his most recent exploits, he set a new career-high of 22 goals. Obviously this year may be a good year to win the Ballon d’Or for me. “But journalists vote”, Mbappe said, emphasizing that the winner will be determined by the voters.
The 27-year-old also showed his poise in his comments about his place in the world’s top players. “No matter how I feel, I’m the best; everyone has their own view,” he added. “It’s not something we need to be talking about, I don’t think.”
Mbappe had been close to winning the individual trophy last year, when he topped the list in Paris Saint-Germain’s ‘Best Player in the World’ poll, finishing third.
There’s a lot of competition this year for the forward. Harry Kane has scored in 61 goals in 51 games last season for Bayern Munich, and also opened the scoring in six World Cup matches for his country, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is also in contention thanks to his prolific campaign with club and country.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is coming on October 26, and Mbappe hopes that it will be enough for his goals and World Cup career.
