Overview
- Mbappé told reporters Monday that 2026 could be 'a good year' for him to win his first Ballon d’Or and said he would vote for himself, framing the prize as an individual award.
- His pitch rests on recent numbers: about 42 goals in 44 matches for Real Madrid last season and 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup that made him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22.
- Critics reacted sharply to Mbappé’s public self-promotion, with former France player Christophe Dugarry calling the comments 'childish and pathetic' and others questioning the tone expected of a national captain.
- Bookmakers and media still list several strong rivals—notably Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal—while France Football will announce the 30 nominees before journalists cast final votes ahead of the Oct. 26 ceremony in London.
- Because the Ballon d’Or is decided by an international panel of journalists who often factor team trophies into their choices, the next concrete milestones to watch are the official shortlist and how voters balance Mbappé’s individual records against his club and country’s lack of silverware.