Mbappé makes Ballon d’Or case after trophyless season
Kylian Mbappé has backed his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, citing his goals for Real Madrid and France, including a World Cup record.
Kylian Mbappé says he believes he can win the Ballon d’Or despite ending the season without a trophy with Real Madrid or France.
Speaking to France Football, the Real Madrid and France forward argued that the award should recognise individual performance rather than depend solely on team silverware. He said winning the prize was one of his short-term goals.
Mbappé cited 15 Champions League goals and 25 in La Liga as the basis for his claim. He also said his World Cup tally had reached 22 goals, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
France’s campaign ended with a 2–0 semi-final defeat by Spain. Mbappé said the World Cup record remained a significant achievement because it placed him ahead of Lionel Messi in the tournament’s scoring history.
He also welcomed Zinedine Zidane’s appointment as France coach after Didier Deschamps. Mbappé described Zidane as a national football legend whose playing career represented the elegance, greatness and history of the France team.
