Kylian Mbappe Defends Ballon d'Or Hopes Despite Trophyless Campaign

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe remains confident in his chances of claiming the Ballon d'Or, despite failing to secure any silverware with his club during the season and suffering a semifinal defeat with France against Spain at the World Cup.

Speaking in an interview with France Football, the 27-year-old emphasized that individual brilliance should outweigh team trophies, while also expressing admiration for newly appointed France coach Zinedine Zidane.

“I believe I can win it this year. It’s one of my goals, and a short-term one at that,” Mbappe stated. Addressing critics of his lack of team titles, he noted, “People say I didn’t win a trophy for club or country, but it’s an individual award. I’ve never seen a Ballon d’Or winner elected unanimously.”

Mbappe enjoyed a prolific individual campaign, netting 15 goals in the Champions League, 25 in La Liga, and extending his World Cup record to 22 goals to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer, although France exited following a 2-0 defeat to Spain.

“My idea of the Ballon d’Or comes from the Messi and Ronaldo era – you don’t give it to ordinary players, you give it to players who are different. I think I did things that were different this year, so I believe I can win it,” he explained, adding that no player performed better than him in the major competitions.

Reflecting on breaking the World Cup scoring record previously held by Leo Messi, Mbappe called the achievement fantastic. He also welcomed the arrival of Zinedine Zidane as the national team's head coach, succeeding Didier Deschamps, describing the 1998 World Cup winner as a national legend who represents elegance and greatness.