French footballer Kylian Mbappé is targeting his first Ballon d’Or award, believing "this could be a good year for me" after setting a World Cup scoring record. In an interview with CNN Sports, Mbappé expressed his ambition to add the prestigious award to his list of achievements. The 27-year-old, who plays for France and Real Madrid, had a remarkable World Cup, scoring his 22nd goal in the tournament to become its all-time leading scorer.
Mbappé's record-breaking achievement has sparked discussions about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. The award, which recognizes the best player in the world, has eluded him so far, but he remains optimistic. Mbappé emphasized that he has no "frustration" about not having won the award, stating that as a competitor, he always wants to win everything. He acknowledged that every player wants to win the Ballon d’Or, but it ultimately depends on various factors.
Despite not winning any silverware with Real Madrid last season and France finishing fourth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mbappé had an outstanding tournament. He surpassed the previous record, joining an elite group of footballers who have achieved this feat. Mbappé described the experience as "surreal," considering he has idolized some of the greatest athletes and icons in the sport.
Mbappé argued that the Ballon d’Or should focus on individual performance rather than solely on collective success. He noted that while football is a collective sport, there are separate trophies to recognize team achievements. In his opinion, the Ballon d’Or should be awarded to the best player, based on their individual accomplishments and impact in major competitions.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, and Mbappé is among the leading contenders for the award. Other top players, such as Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, and Lionel Messi, are also in the running. Messi is seeking a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or after his impressive performances for Argentina at the World Cup.
Mbappé will also begin a new era with France under the management of Zinedine Zidane, who replaced Didier Deschamps after the World Cup. Zidane has confirmed that Mbappé will remain France's captain as the team prepares for the 2030 World Cup. Mbappé expressed his excitement about working with Zidane, stating that everyone expects a lot from their team.
Reflecting on France's World Cup experience, Mbappé described it as "amazing" but acknowledged that they did not achieve their desired outcome. He emphasized the importance of working on details to become the best team in the world. With his sights set on the Ballon d’Or, Mbappé is poised to continue making history in the football world.
Key points
- Kylian Mbappé targets his first Ballon d’Or award after setting a World Cup scoring record.
- Mbappé believes the Ballon d’Or should recognize individual performance rather than collective success.
- The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
