This Could Be My Ballon d’Or Year, Says Mbappé…

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has backed himself to win the Ballon d’Or this year, insisting he always considers himself the best player in the world.

Key Highlights

• Kylian Mbappé has backed himself to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
• The Real Madrid forward scored 42 goals in 44 appearances last season.
• He won the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals.
• Mbappé says playing for Real Madrid strengthens his chances of winning the award.
• He maintains that he “always thinks” he is the best player in the world.

The France international believes his performances over the past year could finally earn him the prestigious individual award, despite Real Madrid ending last season without a major trophy.

Mbappé scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for the Spanish giants last season. He also claimed the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals, taking his total at the tournament to a record 22, although France finished fourth.

“When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award,” Mbappé said.

“I’ve made history in the most important competition. Maybe it’s a good year for this, but people can vote according to what they think.”

The 27-year-old was even more confident when discussing his standing among the world’s best players.

“I always think I’m the best, but everyone has their own opinion,” he said.

“Of course, this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or. But journalists vote.”

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Mbappé’s best finish in the Ballon d’Or voting remains third place, which he achieved in 2023 while playing for Paris Saint-Germain.

However, he faces strong competition for this year’s prize, with England captain Harry Kane, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Spain midfielder Rodri among the leading contenders.

Kane scored a club-record 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich last season as the German side won the domestic double, while Yamal helped Barcelona win La Liga and Spain claim the World Cup.

Mbappé has enjoyed remarkable individual success throughout his career. He is the all-time leading scorer for both PSG and the French national team, while he has scored 90 goals in 107 appearances for Real Madrid.

He has also won eight consecutive league Golden Boots, along with two World Cup Golden Boots and two Champions League scoring awards.

Despite his individual achievements, Mbappé is yet to win a major trophy during his two years at Real Madrid and has not lifted the Champions League since moving to the Spanish capital.

Interestingly, PSG won the Champions League in both seasons since his departure, having never previously won the competition.

Asked about his former club’s success, Mbappé said he had no regrets.

“I can’t change it. The truth is that I really don’t care,” he said.
I know how to analyse football. I know why. I don’t know everything about football, but I know more than most.”

With the Ballon d’Or set to be awarded on October 26, Mbappé will hope his goalscoring exploits and World Cup performance are enough to convince voters that this is finally his year.