Sports

I always think I’m the best – Mbappé speaks on Ballon d’Or chances

Published

2 months ago

September 7, 2026

Mbappé Runs Riot as Real Madrid Crush Sevilla 4-1 Ahead of El Clásico

Kylian Mbappé

I always think I’m the best – Mbappé speaks on Ballon d’Or chances

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé believes 2026 could be the year he finally wins the Ballon d’Or, insisting that his individual performances have put him in contention for the prestigious award.

The France captain made the comments on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s opening Champions League fixture against Inter Milan.

Mbappé, who is yet to win the Ballon d’Or, said he feels he has a strong case for the award despite ending the 2025/26 season without a major trophy with Real Madrid.

“I think 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.”

The 27-year-old enjoyed a prolific individual campaign with Real Madrid, scoring 42 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season.

He finished as La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals and also led the Champions League scoring charts with 15 goals. Real Madrid recognised him as the club’s Player of the Season after his outstanding campaign. (Real Madrid)

Despite Mbappé’s remarkable numbers, Real Madrid ended the campaign without a major trophy, a factor that could affect his chances when voters assess the leading candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Mbappé’s international achievements have also strengthened his individual case.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the France captain scored 10 goals to win the tournament’s Golden Boot, while taking his overall World Cup tally to 22 goals.

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That total moved him above Lionel Messi’s 21 and made Mbappé the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. France, however, finished fourth after losing their third-place play-off. (20 Minutes)

Asked whether he considers himself the best player in the world, Mbappé made no attempt to hide his confidence.

“I always think I’m the best [player in the world] but everyone has their own opinion,” he said.

“Maybe people think different ways. I don’t think it’s a discussion we need to have.”

He nevertheless acknowledged that winning the Ballon d’Or is ultimately beyond his control because the award is decided by journalists.

“Of course this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or. But journalists vote,” he added.

Mbappé’s best previous finish in the Ballon d’Or voting came in 2023, when he finished third behind Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland while playing for Paris Saint-Germain.

The 2026 race is again expected to be highly competitive, with several players regarded as serious contenders.

Harry Kane is among the leading favourites after scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich during the club’s 2025/26 campaign, while Lamine Yamal and Rodri are also prominent names in the race.

The final 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist is scheduled to be announced on September 8, with the award ceremony set for October 26, 2026, in London. (OddsShopper)

Mbappé’s individual record remains one of the strongest aspects of his candidacy.

Since joining Real Madrid, he has scored 90 goals in 107 matches, while his 42-goal haul in 2025/26 followed a 44-goal debut campaign.

His 42 goals last season included 25 in La Liga, 15 in the Champions League and two in the Copa del Rey, according to Real Madrid. (Real Madrid)

The French forward also continued his remarkable record of winning scoring titles.

He has claimed eight consecutive league Golden Boots, including six in Ligue 1 and two in La Liga, while also winning the World Cup Golden Boot twice and finishing as the Champions League’s leading scorer twice.

However, one notable gap remains in his club career: Champions League success.

Mbappé won the 2018 World Cup with France and has collected numerous individual honours, but he has yet to lift the Champions League trophy.

His former club Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League after his departure, adding another talking point to discussions surrounding his club career.

Mbappé, however, said he is not concerned about PSG’s success since his departure.

“I can’t change it,” he said.

“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.”

Rather than focusing on what his former club has achieved, Mbappé said his priority is helping Real Madrid compete for trophies under manager José Mourinho.

Speaking about Madrid’s recent lack of silverware, he said his experience at the Spanish club had taught him not to look too far ahead.

“My experience with Real Madrid says I shouldn’t think too long-term because a lot can change,” Mbappé said.

“I want to think how I can be ready, to help my team to win the game and to start the Champions League in a good way.”

Mbappé’s comments come after Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 La Liga season, losing 1-0 to Real Betis on September 4.

The French forward had a late opportunity to rescue a point but saw his stoppage-time penalty saved by Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles. (Reuters)

He will now have an immediate opportunity to respond when Real Madrid begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan.

While Mbappé’s lack of major team trophies could count against him in the Ballon d’Or voting, his individual numbers, World Cup Golden Boot and record-breaking World Cup tally give him a strong platform.

The final decision, however, will rest with the journalists casting their votes.

For Mbappé, the ambition is clear: after finishing third in 2023 and coming close on previous occasions, he believes 2026 could finally be the year he wins the Ballon d’Or for the first time.

I always think I’m the best – Mbappé speaks on Ballon d’Or chances

Sports

Chaos in Abeokuta as Algerian Fans Attack Coach, Vandalise Stadium After Rangers Defeat

Published

5 days ago

October 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Chaos in Abeokuta as Algerian Fans Attack Coach, Vandalise Stadium After Rangers Defeat

Angry supporters of MC Alger allegedly attacked a member of their club’s technical crew and vandalised stadium facilities after the Algerian side lost 2–0 to Enugu Rangers in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifying tie in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The disorder occurred on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, shortly after Rangers secured a crucial victory against the visiting Algerian champions.

Reports said more than 400 travelling supporters expressed their anger following the defeat, with some allegedly destroying seats in the covered stands and damaging other stadium facilities.

The situation reportedly escalated when some supporters followed members of the MC Alger delegation towards the players’ tunnel, where an assistant coach was allegedly assaulted.

Nigerian police officers attached to the Algerian delegation reportedly intervened and rescued the coach from further attacks, while security operatives subsequently restricted movement around the stadium to prevent additional violence.

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Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba was also reportedly attacked by members of the Algerian delegation in the VVIP section as he attempted to exchange pleasantries after the match. Further details surrounding the reported incident were not immediately available.

The ugly scenes overshadowed an impressive performance by Rangers, who overcame an early setback to secure a two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg in Algeria.

The Nigerian champions were reduced to 10 players in the first half after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off. MC Alger also lost a player when defender Oussama Benhaoua received a second yellow card in the second half.

With both sides reduced to 10 players, Rangers capitalised on their opportunities late in the match. Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty to give the hosts the lead before James Emo scored again to seal the 2–0 victory.

The result puts Rangers in a favourable position ahead of the return fixture scheduled for October 23 in Algiers, where they will attempt to protect their advantage and progress in the continental competition.

However, the reported violence has raised concerns about crowd control, stadium security and the conduct of travelling supporters at African club football matches.

Rangers will also be mindful of their history against MC Alger. In 1976, the Nigerian club won the first leg of their African Cup of Champions Clubs encounter 2–0 but lost the return match 3–0, exiting the competition 3–2 on aggregate. MC Alger went on to win the continental title that year.

The Nigerian side will now seek to avoid a repeat of that outcome as it pursues qualification for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage.

Chaos in Abeokuta as Algerian Fans Attack Coach, Vandalise Stadium After Rangers Defeat

Sports

Mbappé Runs Riot as Real Madrid Crush Sevilla 4-1 Ahead of El Clásico

Published

5 days ago

October 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé Runs Riot as Real Madrid Crush Sevilla 4-1 Ahead of El Clásico

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-1 in their La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, October 18, 2026, boosting their confidence ahead of next weekend’s highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona.

The French forward produced a standout performance, scoring from open play before converting a penalty to help Real Madrid secure a convincing victory. Arda Güler and Yan Diomande also found the net for the hosts, while Manu Bueno scored Sevilla’s only goal.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 30th minute when Güler collected a pass from Diomande and unleashed a superb left-footed strike into the top corner.

Mbappé doubled the advantage seven minutes later after combining with Jude Bellingham. The striker controlled a clever backheel pass, evaded his marker and goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, and calmly finished to put the hosts firmly in control.

The Real Madrid forward completed his brace in the 63rd minute, converting a penalty with a cheeky Panenka-style chip after Sevilla defender Andrés Castrín brought him down inside the penalty area.

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Sevilla attempted to fight their way back into the contest when substitute Manu Bueno scored in the 80th minute, capitalising on a mistake by Mbappé.

However, Real Madrid responded almost immediately. Diomande collected the ball and unleashed a powerful strike in the 82nd minute to restore the hosts’ three-goal advantage and seal the 4-1 victory.

The result provided Real Madrid with a timely boost before their meeting with Barcelona in El Clásico on October 25. The Spanish giants will look to carry their attacking momentum into the crucial encounter.

Sevilla, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another disappointing result at the Bernabéu as Real Madrid demonstrated their attacking strength and ability to punish defensive mistakes.

Mbappé Runs Riot as Real Madrid Crush Sevilla 4-1 Ahead of El Clásico

Sports

Lamine Yamal Shines as Barcelona Thrash Real Betis 5-2

Published

6 days ago

October 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal Shines as Barcelona Thrash Real Betis 5-2

Lamine Yamal delivered a dazzling performance as Barcelona defeated Real Betis 5-2 away from home on Saturday, October 17, 2026, extending their perfect start to the Spanish LaLiga season with a ninth consecutive league victory.

The 19-year-old winger opened the scoring with a superb finish and later provided an assist as Barcelona overcame a spirited Betis challenge at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.

Rodri, Gabriel Jesus, Eric Garcia and substitute Dani Olmo also scored for Barcelona, while Valentín Gómez and Ez Abde found the net for the hosts.

The victory took Barcelona to 27 points from nine matches, keeping them five points clear at the top of the LaLiga standings. Real Betis remained third with 19 points following the defeat.

Yamal set the tone in the 10th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Cutting in from the right, the young forward created space before curling a left-footed effort from outside the penalty area into the top corner, leaving the Betis goalkeeper with little chance.

Real Betis responded in the 27th minute when Pablo Fornals delivered a cross into the box and Valentín Gómez rose above the Barcelona defence to head home the equaliser.

Barcelona regained the lead four minutes before half-time. Rodri powered a header into the net from Fermín López’s corner in the 41st minute, restoring the visitors’ advantage.

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Betis appeared to have drawn level again shortly afterwards when Giovani Lo Celso scored with a spectacular volley. However, the goal was disallowed following a video assistant referee (VAR) review that identified a handball by Cucho Hernández earlier in the move.

Barcelona increased their advantage shortly after the restart. In the 51st minute, Yamal drove down the right flank before squaring the ball for Gabriel Jesus, who finished neatly inside the penalty area to make it 3-1.

Betis responded almost immediately, with Ez Abde finishing a counterattack in the 53rd minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and revive hopes of a comeback.

However, the contest changed dramatically a minute later when Betis midfielder Facundo Bernal was sent off following an altercation with Yamal. Bernal was dismissed for violent conduct after headbutting the Barcelona winger, while Yamal received a yellow card for his involvement in the incident.

With Betis reduced to 10 players, Barcelona took greater control of the match and exploited the numerical advantage.

Eric Garcia extended the lead in the 62nd minute after Pau Cubarsí helped direct the ball across goal from a set-piece situation, allowing Garcia to finish from close range.

Substitute Dani Olmo completed the scoring in the 81st minute, curling a right-footed effort into the top corner to seal an emphatic 5-2 victory for the visitors.

The result strengthened Barcelona’s position at the summit of LaLiga, with the Catalan side recording nine wins from nine league matches and scoring 39 goals during that run.

Barcelona have also maintained an impressive start across all competitions, having won their first 11 competitive matches of the campaign.

The victory comes ahead of a demanding week for Hansi Flick’s side, with a Champions League meeting against Paris Saint-Germain and the much-anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid on the horizon.

For Yamal, the performance further underlined his importance to Barcelona’s attack. His opening goal and assist for Gabriel Jesus proved decisive in a match that remained competitive until Bernal’s dismissal.

Real Betis, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a defeat in which their attacking moments offered promise but defensive difficulties and the red card ultimately worked against them.