Kylian Mbappé remains confident of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or despite ending the season without a major team trophy with either France or Real Madrid.
The France and Real Madrid forward enjoyed a remarkable individual campaign, finishing as the leading scorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Mbappé, 27, scored 25 goals in La Liga, 15 in the Champions League and 10 during the World Cup. His World Cup tally also took his career total in the competition to 22 goals, making him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
However, his impressive individual numbers were not matched by collective success. France were eliminated in the World Cup semi-finals, while Real Madrid finished second in La Liga and exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage following a defeat by Bayern Munich.
Speaking to RFI, Mbappé argued that individual performances remain a major factor in the Ballon d’Or race.
“They won’t announce a team in the envelope; they will announce a player,” Mbappé said.
“The ability to perform individually and produce eye-catching moments, that’s what stands out to people for an award like this.
“I was top scorer in all the biggest competitions, and I think that this could be a good year for me, and I really feel it.”
The Frenchman faces strong competition from several players who combined individual performances with major trophies during the 2026 campaign.
Spain captain Rodrigo Hernández, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, led his country to World Cup glory. His compatriot Lamine Yamal also enjoyed a successful year with Barcelona, winning both La Liga and the World Cup alongside Ferran Torres.
Paris Saint-Germain forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also strengthened their claims after helping the French champions secure Ligue 1 and Champions League success.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is another prominent contender after winning the Bundesliga title with the German giants.
Mbappé has previously made no secret of his desire to bring the Ballon d’Or back to Real Madrid. In September, he told Diario AS that winning the prestigious individual award would provide another reason for the club’s supporters to celebrate.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, when the winner will be announced.
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