Overview
- Kylian Mbappé told reporters Monday that he feels this could be 'a good year' to win the Ballon d'Or and said he would vote for himself.
- Mbappé won the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals and became the tournament's all-time top scorer with 22 career World Cup goals.
- He scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid in 2025–26 but the club did not win a major trophy that season, a contrast voters may weigh against his individual numbers.
- Coach José Mourinho has publicly urged greater team balance and defensive work from Mbappé, a point the forward acknowledged while insisting scoring and trophies are not mutually exclusive.
- France Football will announce nominees imminently and the award, decided by an international panel of journalists, will be presented on Oct. 26 in London, with strong rivals including Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri.