After a sensational season around the world, Kylian Mbappé is optimistic that 2026 will be the year he captures the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Before Real Madrid’s first Champions League match, against Inter Milan, Mbappé admitted that he has become a serious contender for the Ballon d’or, acknowledging that many think he has the potential to become one. The French forward admits that this may be a good year for him, but admits that a final determination is out of his control, as it’s members of the international press who vote for the award.
There’s no lack of reasons to trust the confidence of Mbappé this season. He capped off his LaLiga-best season scoring 25 goals, also logging 15 goals in the Champions League. The most important success he acquired, however, was when he was awarded the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with France, for having scored 10 goals.
Those World Cup goals also made it Mbappé’s 22nd in World Cup action, thus making him the leading scorer in World Cup history. While France failed to pick up on in the trophy cup, the effect of Mbappé on goal was definitely a boost to his Ballon d’Or potential.
The Real Madrid defender just has a lot of competition. Others on the 30-man shortlist include Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal. Kane is one of the front runners, having had a great season so far.
However, it was interesting to see that Mbappé has emphasized the importance of not sacrificing team goals for his own stats. He has emphasised that his first objective is to won big medals with Real Madrid.
The 26th of October is when the award of the Ballon d’Or 2026 will be revealed in London. From where Mbappé stands with his first Ballon d’Or–to-be, the route home to magic numbers he brings depends on his ability to achieve great success on his own merits despite the absence of team silverware.
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