Mbappé Targets Ballon d'Or
Kylian Mbappé Backs Himself to Win First Ballon d'Or After Record World Cup
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Key Points
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Mbappé won his second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot, scoring 10 goals—the tournament’s highest total in 56 years—and moved ahead of Lionel Messi to become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.
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During the World Cup, Mbappé also became France’s all-time leading scorer, passing Olivier Giroud after scoring a brace against Senegal; France nevertheless finished fourth after losing 6-4 to England in the third-place playoff.
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His Ballon d’Or case is complicated by the fact that Real Madrid won no major trophy last season, while France failed to win the World Cup.
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Mbappé’s best previous Ballon d’Or finish was third place in 2023, meaning he is seeking his first victory in the award’s voting.
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The 30-player shortlist is scheduled to be announced on Sept. 8, ahead of the Oct. 26 ceremony in London.
Kylian Mbappé believes 2026 will be his year to finally win the Ballon d'Or. The Real Madrid star scored 10 goals at the World Cup — the tournament's highest total in 56 years — and now has 22 career World Cup goals, more than Lionel Messi. TSN reports he is confident his record-breaking year merits the award.
Mbappé also recorded 42 goals in 44 matches for Madrid this season, including 15 in the Champions League. He said he would vote for himself, though he acknowledges that journalists make the final decision. The ceremony is set for October 26 in London.
World Cup Golden Boot and Historic Scoring Milestones
Mbappé won his second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot in 2026. His 10 goals were the tournament's most since 1970. TSN notes he surpassed Lionel Messi to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 total goals across his career.
During the tournament, Mbappé also became France's all-time leading scorer, breaking Olivier Giroud's record. He scored a brace against Senegal to claim the milestone. Despite his heroics, France finished fourth after losing 6-4 to England in the third-place playoff.
Real Madrid's Dominant Season Without Trophy Glory
Mbappé delivered 42 goals in just 44 matches for Real Madrid this season. He netted 15 of those in the Champions League, a remarkable individual haul. Yet Yahoo Sports reports a major complication: Madrid won no major trophy during his two seasons at the club.
Team success typically influences Ballon d'Or voting heavily. Mbappé's case is weakened by Madrid's lack of silverware. France's failure to win the World Cup adds another obstacle to his candidacy for the award.
Fierce Competition From Rising Stars and Established Names
Mbappé faces stiff competition for the Ballon d'Or. The 30-player shortlist will be announced September 8. SportBible reports rivals include Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Messi, Ousmane Dembélé, and Fabián Ruiz — a mix of young talent and proven performers.
Mbappé's best previous finish was third place in 2023. He is still seeking his first Ballon d'Or title despite being one of football's brightest stars. The October 26 ceremony in London will reveal whether his record-breaking year finally brings him the award.
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