Mbappé: “This could be a good year to win the Ballon d'Or”

Kylian Mbappé believes 2026 could be the year he wins the Ballon d'Or, pointing to his scoring achievements at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada and his place as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.

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This could be a good year.

“This could be a good year,” the Real Madrid forward said at a news conference before the Champions League match against Inter. He noted that playing for Real Madrid naturally brings attention to major individual awards. “I made history in the most important competition in world sport, and I feel this is a good year for that,” he said, adding that voters still had time to decide who was the world's best player.

Mbappé adopted a firm, defensive tone when responding to criticism about his performances. Asked whether he needed to contribute more defensively, he said the team had to improve and that every player needed to help prevent opponents from creating chances. He argued that better control of possession would also help the defense.

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I made history in the most important competition in world sport, and I feel this is a good year for that.

He was also asked why Paris Saint-Germain had won the Champions League since his departure. Mbappé said he understood the football analysis and was not troubled by the discussion, adding that comments about him attract attention whether they are positive or negative.

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We are in the same situation as last year. It's just a different coach.

Mbappé said he could not control everything said about reports that he and Vinícius were incompatible. He insisted that the Real Madrid dressing room remained in a good atmosphere and said the team was in a positive process under a different coach. He praised José Mourinho as someone who knows how to win and motivate the club and the squad in the same direction.

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I know more than many people about football and I am very calm.