Overview
- Kylian Mbappé said he sees himself as a leading Ballon d'Or contender and called 2026 a “good year” for the award after his World Cup top-scorer display.
- He made the remarks in a press conference before Real Madrid's Champions League match against Inter Milan and repeatedly cited his World Cup and La Liga goal totals as evidence.
- Mbappé pushed back on criticism of his defensive work by noting he scores more than teammates Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha and saying all forwards must improve defensively.
- He told reporters he prefers winning trophies but will not stop seeking goals, and he praised coach José Mourinho as a leader who “knows how to win” and unifies the club.
- The next concrete milestones for his candidacy are France Football's nominee announcement on Sept. 8 and the Ballon d'Or gala on Oct. 26 in London, which will determine how journalists weigh individual stats versus team titles.