Kylian Mbappe says he has a “good feeling” about his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or after another prolific campaign for Real Madrid and France.
The prestigious award will be presented at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London in October, with Mbappe among the leading contenders for the world’s best player prize.
The French forward enjoyed an outstanding individual campaign, scoring 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid before continuing his impressive form on the international stage.
He also became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer and claimed his second Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals at the tournament.
Mbappe: “This Could Be a Good Year”
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan, Mbappe acknowledged that playing for the Spanish giants naturally puts him in contention for the award.
“I think that when you play for Real Madrid, it naturally associates you with this type of award,” he said.
The France captain added that the public attention surrounding his Ballon d’Or chances was encouraging.
“I have made a lot of history in the most important competition in this sport, and I have a good feeling, but people have the power to choose.”
Mbappe, who has yet to win the Ballon d’Or, said he believes he has a genuine opportunity this year but acknowledged that the final decision rests with the journalists voting for the award.
“This year may be a good year for me to win the Ballon d’Or, but it’s the journalists who are going to vote.”
Kane Among the Leading Contenders
Mbappe faces strong competition, with Harry Kane reportedly among the favourites after an exceptional scoring campaign for Bayern Munich and England.
Kane scored 61 goals for Bayern Munich last season and added another 12 for his country.
Other leading contenders include Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Fabian Ruiz, following Paris Saint-Germain’s second consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph.
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, Spain midfielder Rodri, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, France international Michael Olise and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi are also among the names expected to feature prominently in the race.
Mbappe Downplays Madrid Dressing Room Concerns
Despite Real Madrid’s difficult 2025/26 campaign, which ended without a major trophy, Mbappe dismissed suggestions that there were serious problems within the dressing room.
Real Madrid experienced managerial changes involving Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa before José Mourinho returned for a second spell during the summer.
Asked whether the atmosphere at the club had improved compared with last season, Mbappe questioned the premise.
“Do you have the feeling that something wasn’t right last year? No, it’s the same as last year. It’s true we have a different coach, but it’s the same.”
Real Madrid had won their opening three La Liga matches this season before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis in their most recent outing.
Real Madrid Target Champions League Redemption
Mbappe and Real Madrid will begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan on Tuesday, with the Spanish giants aiming to reclaim their dominance in European football.
Mourinho said the club’s priority was to compete for every available trophy but stressed the importance of achieving consistency.
“We want to win every match, every competition. But you have to work to accomplish stability.”
He added that Real Madrid must find the stability required to achieve major success, while acknowledging the enormous expectations attached to the club.
For Mbappe, however, the immediate focus will be on delivering for Real Madrid while waiting to see whether his individual achievements are enough to finally earn him his first Ballon d’Or.
