Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe believes 2026 could be the year he finally wins the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan at the Estadio Bernabéu, Mbappe said playing for Real Madrid puts him in contention for the award.
He said, “I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award.
“There are many people who speak about me and the Ballon d’Or. Of course, 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.”
He added, “I always think I’m the best [player in the world], but everyone has their own opinion. Maybe people think different ways. I don’t think it’s a discussion we need to have.
“Of course, this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or, but journalists vote.”
Mbappe won the 2018 World Cup with France and finished fourth in the last Ballon d’Or. He scored 10 goals at the World Cup, taking his total to a record 22, and netted 42 goals in 44 games for Madrid last season, although they won no trophies.
BBC Sport reported that his best Ballon d’Or finish was third in 2023 while at PSG.
Harry Kane is favourite after 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich and six World Cup goals. Lamine Yamal is second, followed by Rodri.
The award will be presented on October 26, 2026.
Tuesday’s game is Madrid’s first Champions League match this season as they seek to dethrone PSG, where Mbappe spent seven seasons and won 17 trophies.
Jose Mourinho will face his former club, where he won the 2010 Champions League, alongside former Inter player Christian Chivu.
Asked about PSG’s recent success, Mbappe said, “I can’t change it. The truth is that I really don’t care. I know how to analyse football; I know why.
“I don’t know everything about football, but I know more than most.”
Mbappe is PSG and France’s all-time top scorer, with 256 goals in 308 PSG games and 66 in 106 France appearances. He has 90 goals in 107 Madrid matches.
He has won eight straight league golden boots, two World Cup and two Champions League golden boots. Yet, after two years at Madrid, he is still without a Champions League or major trophy.
