In Madrid, where European ambition is measured in silverware and memory, Kylian Mbappé has placed himself firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. The Real Madrid forward believes the scale of his individual season gives him a compelling case for football’s most prestigious personal prize, and admits that missing out would sting.
With the award date drawing closer, the contest remains open rather than defined by one overwhelming favourite. Mbappé has pointed to a campaign of 42 goals, including 15 in the Champions League, as the foundation of his candidacy. He said the Ballon d’Or is an ambition shared by every player, though not an obsession, and described his year as especially strong on an individual level.
“I have had a very good year,” he said, stressing that personal performance carries particular weight in the voting. “I was the leading scorer in the biggest competitions, so I feel this could be a good year for me.”
A competitive disappointment
Mbappé did not pretend indifference about the prospect of losing the award. For a player who has carried France across major tournaments and now plays beneath the Bernabéu lights, the competitive edge remains central to how he sees the honour.
He said that any athlete feels disappointment when they do not win, adding that his competitive spirit would be the part most affected if the Ballon d’Or went elsewhere. Still, he kept the final verdict in perspective: “We will see what happens.”
The forward also addressed the wider public image that accompanies a player of his stature. He said he has never tried to chase universal approval, insisting that he cannot turn himself into somebody else to satisfy every audience. Instead, Mbappé said he intends to continue as himself, accepting both his strengths and shortcomings, successes and failures.
Roots beyond the Bernabéu
If the trophy does arrive in his hands, Mbappé already knows that its meaning would travel well beyond the Spanish capital. He said he has retained a close bond with his origins and with the African culture that formed part of his upbringing.
Visits to Africa have brought him warmth and affection, he said, and he hopes to return there with the Ballon d’Or. In that event, he would want to dedicate the prize, in his own way, to the people who have received him so generously.
