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

Kylian Mbappe

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.