As the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, Kylian Mbappé has openly expressed his desire to win the prestigious individual trophy. The French captain and Real Madrid attacker has been vocal about his ambitions, stating that he believes he is the best player. However, Pascal Ferré, former director of France Football, has questioned the effectiveness of Mbappé's strategy. In an interview with RMC, Ferré emphasized that a Ballon d’Or is not claimed, but earned.
Ferré's comments come as a response to Mbappé's recent statements, where he claimed that there is no better player than him from last season. Ferré believes that convincing the public is not enough; instead, players need to win over the members of the jury who are authorized to vote. He expressed doubts about the impact of Mbappé's public campaign, stating that the jurors may not be swayed by such declarations.
According to Ferré, the key to winning the Ballon d’Or lies in impressing the jurors, not the fans or supporters. He noted that the voting process is not influenced by public opinion, but rather by the performances and achievements of the players. Ferré's comments have sparked debate about the best approach for players seeking to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Ballon d’Or has undergone changes in recent years, including a new approach to announcing the winner. Since 2024, the laureates have not been informed of their victory in advance, a measure aimed at preserving suspense until the official announcement. Ferré revealed that this change was made to facilitate confidentiality and prevent leaks.
Ferré also shared insights into the voting process and the measures taken to protect the identity of the winner. He estimated that only a few people know the winner before the ceremony, and that discretion is essential to prevent rumors and speculation. Ferré even revealed that, in the past, false classifications were left in the editorial offices to mislead the public.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be highly scrutinized, with several players vying for the top honor. Kylian Mbappé is hoping to add his name to the list of winners, while Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal are also in contention. Lamine Yamal has emphasized that the Ballon d’Or rewards more than just goals, highlighting the importance of overall performance.
Ultimately, the success of Mbappé's campaign will be measured by the outcome of the ceremony. While ambition is essential, Ferré's comments suggest that it may not be enough to guarantee a win. The jury's decision will reveal whether Mbappé's strategy has paid off or if the Ballon d’Or will be awarded to another deserving player.
Key points
- Pascal Ferré questions Kylian Mbappé's strategy for winning the Ballon d’Or 2026.
- The Ballon d’Or voting process prioritizes impressing jurors over public opinion.
- The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will feature several contenders, including Mbappé, Dembélé, and Yamal.
