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2026 could be my year to win Ballon d’Or — Mbappe

From The Punch · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé says 2026 could be the year he wins the Ballon d’Or, while acknowledging that journalists decide the award.
  • Mbappé says he considers himself the world’s best player but accepts that people hold different opinions.
  • Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri are listed as shorter betting favorites ahead of the October 26, 2026 award ceremony.

Kylian Mbappé believes 2026 could finally bring him the Ballon d’Or, but he knows the decision will rest with journalists rather than with his own assessment of his performances.

I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award.

· Kylian MbappéHe explained why playing for Real Madrid keeps him linked with the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking Monday ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Inter Milan, Mbappé said playing for what he called the world’s best club naturally linked him with the award. He pointed to his record in the competition and said the year might be favorable, while stressing that voters would make their own judgments.

“I always think I’m the best [player in the world], but everyone has their own opinion,” Mbappé said. “Of course, this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or, but journalists vote.”

I always think I’m the best [player in the world], but everyone has their own opinion.

· Kylian MbappéHe acknowledged differing views while describing his own belief in his ability.

The France captain won the 2018 World Cup and scored 10 goals at the tournament, taking his career World Cup total to a record 22, the article says. He scored 42 goals in 44 matches for Madrid last season, although the club won no trophies. His best previous Ballon d’Or finish was third in 2023, when he played for Paris Saint-Germain. He finished fourth in the latest edition, behind players from Spain, Argentina and England.

Of course, this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or, but journalists vote.

· Kylian MbappéHe said the award remained dependent on journalists’ voting.

Mbappé faces strong competition for the award, which will be presented on October 26, 2026. Harry Kane is the bookmakers’ favorite after scoring a club-record 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich’s German double-winning team last season. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is second favorite, followed by his club and international teammate Rodri. Mbappé’s first Champions League match of the season will also bring him against former club PSG’s latest success, while Mourinho faces Inter and shares the dugout with his former player Christian Chivu.

I can’t change it. The truth is that I really don’t care.

· Kylian MbappéHe responded to questions about PSG winning Champions League titles after his departure.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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