This could be year I win Ballon d'Or, says Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe believes this could finally be the year he wins the Ballon d'Or, even though Real Madrid ended last season without a trophy.

The 27-year-old scored 42 goals in 44 games for Madrid and won the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals. France finished fourth, but Mbappe's total of 22 World Cup goals is a record. He said playing for Real Madrid, which he called the world's best club, naturally links him with the award.

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

"Of course this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d'Or. But journalists vote," Mbappe said. He added that he always considers himself the world's best player, while acknowledging that voters may see it differently.

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

Mbappe has never finished higher than third, which he achieved in 2023 with Paris Saint-Germain. Bookmakers currently rate England captain Harry Kane as the favorite after he scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich, who won the German league and cup. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal is second favorite, followed by his club and Spain teammate Rodri.

Mbappe has scored 90 goals in 107 matches for Real Madrid and has won eight straight league Golden Boots, along with two World Cup and two Champions League scoring titles. Yet he has not won a major club trophy in two seasons at the Bernabeu, while PSG have won the Champions League in both seasons since his departure. "I can't change it," he said, adding that he wants to focus on helping Madrid start the Champions League well.

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