This could be my year to win Ballon d’Or – Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe believes his individual form could finally bring him the Ballon d’Or, even though his first season at Real Madrid ended without a major club trophy.

The forward scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season. He also won the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, taking his tournament total to a record 22, although France finished fourth. The Ballon d’Or will be presented on October 26.

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

Mbappe has scored 90 goals in 107 appearances for Real Madrid but remains without a major club trophy at the Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for the second successive season since his departure for Madrid. PSG had never won the competition before he left.

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

Asked about the French club’s success without him, Mbappe said: “I can’t change it. The truth is that I really don’t care.” He said his own performances gave him reason to believe he could challenge for the award, while acknowledging that journalists decide the winner.

“Of course this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or. But journalists vote,” he said. Mbappe, whose highest finish was third in 2023, added: “I always think I’m the best [player in the world] but everyone has their own opinion.”

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

The France captain said he was concentrating on preparing Real Madrid for its matches and making a strong start to the Champions League. “I want to think how I can be ready, to help my team to win the game and to start the Champions League in a good way,” he said.

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I want to think how I can be ready, to help my team to win the game and to start the Champions League in a good way.