Mbappé says he deserves Ballon d’Or, rejects Lamine Yamal hype
Kylian Mbappé brushed aside days of public lobbying for Lamine Yamal and declared himself a worthy candidate for the Ballon d’Or, saying on September 22, 2026, that he would be disappointed if he does not win the award handed out by France Football magazine.
The Real Madrid forward said he is not obsessed with the trophy, but argued he has met every requirement to be considered a fair winner this year.
What Mbappé told French radio about his season
“I think the Ballon d’Or is a goal for any player, but I don’t think it’s an obsession. I had a good year, a great year on an individual level. I know that’s the most important criteria for the Ballon d’Or,” he said in an interview with French radio station RFI.
“I was the top scorer in the most important competitions of the season, so I think it was a good year for me. I have a good feeling that I can win,” he added.
Goal tally that backs his case for the trophy
Mbappé scored 42 goals last season with Real Madrid, including 15 in the Champions League.
A World Cup run without the title, but with goals
The French striker also had a strong World Cup with France, even though the team did not lift the trophy, and he admitted he would be upset not to be honored with the Ballon d’Or.
“Of course I would be disappointed if I don’t win. I think an athlete always feels disappointed when he doesn’t win something,” he said.
“I think what would be affected most is my competitive spirit. But there’s no point talking about it now, we have to see what happens,” he said.
When the award will be handed out in London
The Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed on October 26, at a gala event in London.
The current holder of the trophy is Ousmane Dembélé, of PSG.
