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Kylian Mbappe admits 2026 could be the year he finally wins the Ballon d’Or.
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The Real Madrid forward scored 42 goals in 44 appearances last season and claimed the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals.
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Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri are among the leading contenders for the prestigious individual award.
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Mbappé has never won the Ballon d’Or despite establishing himself among the world’s elite forwards.
September 07, (THEWILL) — Kylian Mbappé has admitted that 2026 could be the year he finally wins the Ballon d’Or after producing one of the most prolific campaigns of his career.
The Real Madrid forward enters this year’s race with a compelling individual case, having combined another outstanding club season with a record-breaking performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Yet while Mbappé believes his achievements have put him firmly in contention, the Frenchman knows the final decision will ultimately be left to the voters.
Mbappe Believes This Could Be His Year
Mbappe has never won the Ballon d’Or despite spending much of his career among the world’s most celebrated players.
His arrival at Real Madrid was partly driven by the ambition to compete for the biggest individual and team honours, and his numbers during the 2025-26 campaign strengthened his claim.
The France captain scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Madrid, while also finishing as La Liga’s leading scorer with 25 goals.
His biggest individual statement, however, came on the international stage.
Mbappe scored 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup to win the Golden Boot, taking his career World Cup tally to 22 goals.
Speaking about his Ballon d’Or chances, Mbappe acknowledged that playing for Real Madrid naturally places him in the conversation.
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Kylian Mbappé on his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or:
“When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, it’s natural to be linked with these awards. When people see me in the street, they talk to me about this. It’s a very positive award for any player.
I made a… pic.twitter.com/ZanfnzdBzn
— The Sports Pulse (@Tsportspulse) September 7, 2026
“I always think I’m the best [player in the world], but everyone has their own opinion”, he said.
He also suggested that his World Cup performance could strengthen his case.
“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.”
The Trophy Problem
Despite his extraordinary statistics, Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or case is not without complications.
Real Madrid finished the season without a major trophy, something that could work against the Frenchman when voters compare his campaign with those of his principal rivals.
The Ballon d’Or rewards outstanding individual performances traditionally, but team success often plays an important role in determining the final rankings.
That leaves Mbappe facing a difficult argument: his personal numbers are difficult to ignore, but his lack of major silverware gives his rivals an opening.
Kane, Yamal and Rodri Among the Rivals
Mbappe is not the only superstar with a strong claim to the award.
Harry Kane enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals and helping the German club secure a domestic double. He also scored six goals for England at the World Cup.
Lamine Yamal is another major contender after combining impressive numbers for Barcelona with a World Cup-winning campaign for Spain.
Then there is Rodri, whose case is built around one of the biggest achievements available in international football. The Manchester City midfielder helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup and was named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner.
That competition means Mbappe will need more than goals to convince voters that this is finally his year.
A First Ballon d’Or Still Awaits
Mbappe has already collected numerous individual scoring honours during his career, including domestic Golden Boots and World Cup Golden Boots.
The Ballon d’Or, however, remains the major individual prize missing from his collection.
His move to Real Madrid was expected to bring him closer to that prize, but his first two seasons at the club have not delivered the major European or domestic trophies many expected.
Now, with another World Cup Golden Boot added to his résumé and another extraordinary scoring campaign behind him, Mbappe has arguably entered the Ballon d’Or race with one of his strongest cases yet.
The ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, when the debate over whether Mbappe’s individual brilliance outweighs the success of his rivals will finally be settled.
For now, the French superstar can only wait — and continue making the case on the pitch.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
