By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has expressed optimism that 2026 could be the year he finally clinches the highly coveted Ballon d’Or award.
The 27-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain star stated this on Monday during a press conference ahead of his team’s UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan at the Estadio Bernabéu on Tuesday.
Addressing journalists, Mbappe noted that while he personally believes he is the best player in the world, people are entitled to their own opinions.
“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award,” Mbappe said.
“There are many people who 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.”
He added: “I always think I’m the best [player in the world], but everyone has their own opinion.
Maybe people think different ways. I don’t think it’s a discussion we need to have.”
“Of course, this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or, but journalists vote.”
The France captain lifted the 2018 World Cup with France, but finished fourth in the last edition, behind defending champions Spain, first runner-up Argentina, and third-placed England.
Mbappe bagged 10 goals in that tournament, taking his career tally at World Cups to a record 22. He also scored 42 goals in 44 games for Madrid last season, though they did not win any trophies.
According to a report by BBC Sport on Monday, the highest Mbappe has finished in the Ballon d’Or rankings is third position in 2023, during his spell as a PSG player.
Bookmakers have given three players shorter odds to win the award, which will be presented on October 26, 2026.
England captain Harry Kane is odds-on to win after scoring a club-record 61 goals in 51 games for German double winners Bayern Munich last season, alongside six goals at the World Cup.
Lamine Yamal, who won La Liga with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain, stands as second favourite, followed closely by his club and international team-mate Rodri, formerly of Manchester City.
Tuesday’s encounter will mark Madrid’s first UCL game of the season, as the team aims to dethrone two-time champions PSG, where Mbappe played for seven seasons and won 17 trophies.
The fixture will also see Coach Jose Mourinho pit against his former side, where he won the 2010 Champions League.
The Portuguese tactician will share the dugout with his former Inter Milan player, Christian Chivu.
Speaking to reporters on the recent success of two-time UCL champions PSG, who claimed the trophies following his exit to Madrid, Mbappe remained unbothered.
“I can’t change it. The truth is that I really don’t care. I know how to analyse football; I know why,” the striker stated.
“I don’t know everything about football, but I know more than most.”
The BBC report further highlighted that Mbappe remains the all-time top scorer for both PSG and France, having recorded 256 goals in 308 games for PSG, and netting 66 times in 106 appearances for the French national team.
He has also registered 90 goals in 107 matches for Real Madrid.
On individual honours, Mbappe has won eight consecutive league golden boots six in Ligue 1 and two in La Liga along with two in World Cups and another two in the Champions League.
However, he is yet to lift the Champions League trophy or win a major title in his two years at the Bernabéu.
