Mbappé frames Ballon d’Or hopes as Real Madrid prepare for Inter
The Real Madrid forward says 2026 could be his year for the award, while insisting the decision rests with journalists.
Kylian Mbappé has described 2026 as a potentially significant year in his pursuit of the Ballon d’Or, an award he has not previously won, as Real Madrid prepare to host Inter in the opening match of the 2026–27 Champions League league phase.
Yahoo Sports reported that Mbappé expects Real Madrid to approach the fixture with determination and draw additional motivation from playing at the Santiago Bernabéu. Inter enter the match as defending Serie A champions.
Mbappé said his reported performance at this summer’s World Cup, including 10 goals and a career total of 22 World Cup goals, could strengthen his case. He also said he had “made history”, while acknowledging that the award will be decided by journalists.
Asked whether he regarded himself as the world’s best player, Mbappé said he did, but stressed that it was a personal view and that others could disagree.
He also rejected reports of tension with Vinícius Júnior. Mbappé said the two Real Madrid forwards shared the same objective of winning titles and could not control outside opinions about their relationship.
