Mbappe Declares Himself Best as Ballon dOr Dream Gets Closer

(Kylian Mbappe. Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports)

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe says 2026 could be his year to finally win the Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award.

Speaking ahead of Madrid's Champions League match against Inter Milan on Tuesday, the 27-year-old said he believes he's the best player in the world, but acknowledged that voters might see things differently.

He noted that playing for the world's biggest club makes people naturally think of him in connection with the award.

Mbappe put up massive numbers last season 42 goals in 44 games for Madrid but the club didn't win any trophies.

At the World Cup, he was outstanding with 10 goals, bringing his career World Cup total to a record 22, though France finished fourth overall.

His best Ballon d'Or finish so far is third place back in 2023 when he played for PSG.

Three other players have better odds of winning this year's award on October 26.

England's Harry Kane is the favourite after scoring 61 goals for Bayern Munich last season.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who won La Liga and the World Cup with Spain, is second favourite, followed by his teammate Rodri.

In two years at Madrid, Mbappe hasn't won the Champions League or any major trophy yet.

He's also the all-time leading scorer for both PSG (256 goals) and France (66 goals), and has won eight straight league golden boots across his career.