Kylian Mbappé believes this could be the year he wins the Ballon d’Or for the first time.
He is optimistic after the second victory in a row World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, the most in 56 years. He also paraded Lionel Messi for all-time World Cup goals with 22. Also had 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrideven though the club finished last season without a major trophy.
“There are a lot of people talking about me and the Ballon d’Or. Of course, I made history in the most important competition. Maybe it’s a good year for that, but people can vote according to what they think,” Mbappe said on Monday.
The award will be presented on October 26 in London. The Ballon d’Or for men last year was won by Ousmane Dembele after Paris Saint-Germain won the first Champions League the title.
“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people automatically associate you with this award,” Mbappé added. “I always think I’m the best, but everyone has the right to their opinion.”
(Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sports Images/Getty Images)
Other strong candidates include Harry Kane — 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich — and Lamine Yamalwho won the World Cup with Spain and League with Barcelona.
“I don’t like to make comparisons because I do a lot of things that others don’t do,” said Mbappé. “If we get into what becomes an endless argument, you know?”
His best finish in the voting was third in 2023. He spoke ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter in Madrid on Tuesday.
Reporting by the Associated Press.