The Real Madrid forward highlighted his performance in the 2026 World Cup and acknowledged that he believes this could be a good year to win the France Football award
The fight for the Ballon d'Or is starting to take shape and Kylian Mbappé did not shy away from discussing his chances. After a World Cup 2026in which he broke several records and finished as the top scorer, the forward of Real Madrid acknowledged that he is having a year that could lead him to win the France Football award.
In the lead-up to the Spanish team's debut in the Champions League against Inter Milan, the Frenchman was asked about his chances of winning the award. "I think that when you play for Real Madrid, which is the best club in the world, people naturally associate you with this type of award. Both collective and individual. Of course, there are many people who, when I see them on the street, talk to me about the Ballon d'Or. Many talk about me as a possible Ballon d'Or winner", Mbappé expressed.
His candidacy's main argument is based on what happened in the World Cup. Although France finished in fourth place, the attacker stood out with 10 goals and reached 22 in World Cups, a figure that made him the top scorer in the history of the competition.
Mbappé was the top scorer of the 2026 World Cup and became the highest scorer in the history of the competition
"It is true that it is an award that for every player is… a very positive topic. Of course, I made a lot of history this summer in the most important competition in the sport. But let's see. I have the feeling that it is a good year for that, but there is still a lot of time and people have the freedom to vote for who they think is the best player in the world", he stated.
When asked if he considers himself the best footballer on the planet, Mbappé answered without much hesitation: "I always believe I am the best, but that is something very personal. Some people will think so and others won't; you shouldn't expect everyone to think like me. It's a matter of confidence". He added: "I don't think it's a debate you have to have… like… 'everyone has to think the same as me'. Of course, I think this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d'Or. But… as I said, it is the journalists who will vote, and they will do so thinking about who they believe is the best player in the world".
Details of the 2026 Ballon d'Or
This year's edition of the award will take its first step on Tuesday, September 8, when France Football officially reveals the lists of nominees for all categories. In the men's award, there will be 30 candidates for the Ballon d'Or, while the 30 contenders in the women's category and the names competing for the Kopa (best U-21 player), Yashin (best goalkeeper)and Gerd Müller (top scorer), among other distinctions, will also be announced.
The Ballon d'Or will be awarded on Monday, October 26
The announcement will take place on Monday, October 26, with a gala to be held in London that will have a special significance: the award will celebrate its 70th anniversary. It will also be the first time the ceremony takes place in the English capital, in tribute to Stanley Matthews, the winner of the first Ballon d'Or in 1956.
After the World Cup 2026, the race for the men's award appears particularly open. In addition to Mbappé, the main candidates include Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Lionel Messi.
