Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe believes 2026 could finally be the year he claims the Ballon d’Or, while insisting that he considers himself the best player in the world.
The France captain made the remarks on Monday at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.
Mbappe acknowledged that the Ballon d’Or is ultimately decided by journalists, but said his performances this year could strengthen his chances of taking home the prestigious individual award.
“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award.
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.”
The 27-year-old added that he has always viewed himself as the world’s best player, although he accepts that others may hold different opinions.
“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.”
Mbappe has never won the Ballon d’Or, with his highest finish coming in 2023 when he placed third as a Paris Saint-Germain player, according to BBC Sport.
He finished fourth in the most recent edition, behind Spain’s winner, Argentina’s first runner-up and England’s third-placed finish.
The Frenchman has nevertheless continued to produce impressive numbers. He scored 10 goals at the World Cup, taking his tournament career tally to a record 22, while registering 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid last season. Despite his individual output, Madrid ended the campaign without a trophy.
Mbappe has now scored 90 goals in 107 appearances for the Spanish giants. He is also the leading goalscorer in the history of both PSG and France, having scored 256 goals in 308 matches for the Paris club and 66 in 106 international appearances.
His individual record includes eight consecutive league Golden Boots — six in Ligue 1 and two in La Liga — as well as two World Cup and two Champions League Golden Boots.
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Despite those achievements, the forward is still waiting to win the Champions League and a major trophy during his two years at the Bernabéu.
Bookmakers currently have England captain Harry Kane as the favourite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after his club-record 61 goals in 51 appearances helped Bayern Munich secure a domestic double last season. Kane also scored six goals at the World Cup.
Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal is the second favourite, while his club and international teammate Rodri, formerly of Manchester City, is third.
The Ballon d’Or is scheduled to be awarded on October 26, 2026.
Tuesday’s Champions League encounter will mark Real Madrid’s first European fixture of the season as the Spanish giants begin their campaign with the ambition of dethroning two-time champions PSG, Mbappe’s former club where he spent seven seasons and won 17 trophies.
The match will also see Jose Mourinho come up against Inter Milan, the club he guided to Champions League glory in 2010. Mourinho will share the dugout with his former Inter player, Christian Chivu.
Asked about PSG’s recent success after winning the Champions League twice since Mbappe’s departure for Madrid, the forward dismissed the situation, saying:
“I can’t change it. 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.”