Kylian Mbappé believes 2026—not 2024—could be the year he wins his first Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid and France forward has made a public case based on a record-breaking World Cup, where he won a second consecutive Golden Boot with 10 goals and became the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 22.
The 27-year-old scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid during the 2025–26 season, although the club did not win a major trophy. France also fell short of team success at the World Cup, losing to Spain in the semi-finals before finishing fourth. Mbappé nevertheless argues that the Ballon d’Or is an individual award and that his personal record should carry substantial weight.
“I believe I can win it this year,” Mbappé told L’Équipe. “It’s one of my goals, and a short-term one at that, because there isn’t much time left.” He added: “My idea of the Ballon d’Or comes from the Messi and Ronaldo era—you don’t give it to ordinary players, you give it to players who are different. I think I did things that were different this year, so I believe I can win it.”
Mbappé has also framed his World Cup achievement as central to his candidacy. His 10 goals at the 2026 tournament secured the Golden Boot for a second consecutive World Cup, following his eight goals in Qatar in 2022. His total of 22 World Cup goals put him ahead of Lionel Messi and made him the leading scorer in the tournament’s history.
“When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award,” Mbappé said. “There are many people that 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.”
Asked whom he would choose if he had a vote, Mbappé answered directly: “I’d vote for myself. It’s an individual award.” He acknowledged that others could disagree, adding: “I understand people who disagree; we’re not in a dictatorship.”
Mbappé’s previous best Ballon d’Or finish was third in 2023, when he was at Paris Saint-Germain. The 2026 award will be presented in London on October 26, and he faces strong competition, including Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal.
The key correction is that Mbappé is not claiming the 2024 Ballon d’Or, which has already been decided. He is positioning himself as a contender for the 2026 award, despite the absence of a major club or international trophy, on the strength of exceptional individual scoring records.
