Kylian Mbappé strongly defended his credentials for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, pointing to his extraordinary goalscoring tally with Real Madrid and his historic World Cup campaign for France, despite the absence of major team trophies last season.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League opener against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, the French forward addressed criticism surrounding his defensive work rate, his partnership with Vini Jr., and Paris Saint-Germain’s European triumphs following his departure.
Mbappé Stakes His Claim for the Ballon d’Or
“When you play for the biggest club in the world, it’s natural for people to link you with both team and individual accolades,” Mbappé said. “Many people approach me in the street talking about the Ballon d’Or, seeing me as a genuine contender.”
“I made a lot of history this summer in the most prestigious tournament in sports, and I feel this could be a great year to win the Ballon d’Or. However, there is still a long way to go, and everyone has the freedom to vote for whoever they consider the best player in the world.”
Asked with a smile whether he views himself as the best player in the world, he replied: “I always see myself that way, but that’s a personal mindset. Some people here might agree, while others think differently, and not everyone needs to see it the same way.”
He added: “I believe this year could be my time to win it, but the journalists hold the votes, and ultimately they will select whoever they deem best.”
A Fiery Response to Raphinha and Dembélé Comparisons
Mbappé sparked controversy when asked whether Real Madrid’s attacking stars needed to contribute more defensively, interrupting the journalist with: “Just Vini and me?”
After the journalist clarified that he was comparing their pressing intensity to Raphinha’s at Barcelona and Ousmane Dembélé’s at PSG, Mbappé countered: “Of course we have to improve—that’s standard for any player. But I could easily play naïve and say that I score far more goals than the two players you mentioned, and that they need to score more to reach my level. Every player is different.”
The France captain added: “I prefer to handle this intelligently and admit I need to improve. I don’t like comparisons because I bring things to the table that others don’t, and entering that debate leads nowhere.”
“Everyone at Real Madrid needs to step up defensively to help the team concede fewer chances and goals, just as we need to manage possession better and build more opportunities. That is life for any squad that wants to remain among the elite.”
Paris Wins Without Him—And Mbappé Unbothered
Mbappé faced a direct question regarding PSG winning two Champions League titles since his move to Madrid, and whether he felt it was unfair that their European success was being linked to his exit.
“There are different analytical takes, but truth be told, I don’t care much about it,” he said. “I know how to analyze football—I don’t claim to know everything—but some of what gets said isn’t tactical analysis; it’s just sensational headlines meant to sell and get people talking.”
He added: “Talking about me generates huge interest, whether positive or negative, and I accept that.”
Regarding the trade-off between personal stats and team silverwares, he noted: “I would happily settle for 30 goals if it came with major trophies. To me, choosing between goals and titles is a false debate because you can achieve both.”
“If I reach 40 goals while we are competing for La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, should I stop scoring just to prove those who claim my goals prevent us from winning right? Naturally, I prefer 40 goals with trophies over 60 without them.”
Mbappé’s Stats Set Up Showdown with Yamal and Kane
Mbappé tallied 43 goals for Real Madrid last season, including 25 league strikes that earned him the Pichichi trophy, alongside 15 goals in 11 matches to finish as the Champions League top scorer for the second time in his career.
He further strengthened his resume at the 2026 World Cup, scoring 10 goals to capture the Golden Boot and becoming the only player to win the award twice, bringing his all-time World Cup total to 22 goals in 22 matches.
However, France finished fourth after losing to Spain in the semi-finals and England in the third-place play-off, leaving the award race wide open for world champions led by Lamine Yamal and Rodri, alongside Harry Kane following his historic goalscoring year.
Mbappé kicked off the current campaign with 4 goals in his opening 4 La Liga matches, keeping his individual output at the forefront of his Ballon d’Or push while team success remains the anchor for his rivals.
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 26, 2026, in London—marking the first time the event is hosted in the UK—with voting journalists deciding the ultimate winner.
