Kylian Mbappé appeared before the media this afternoon ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan, and his comments about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or immediately sparked a major debate.
For their opening Champions League fixture of the season, Real Madrid sent two of their biggest figures to the press room. José Mourinho spoke first before Mbappé faced the media at Valdebebas for the first time since January 19, 2026.
As usual, the French international did not disappoint. Asked at length about Real Madrid’s disastrous 2025/26 campaign, his relationship with Vinicius Junior, his defensive contribution and his Ballon d’Or ambitions, Mbappé firmly defended himself.
When a journalist compared his defensive work to that of Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé, Mbappé simply pointed out that he “scores more goals” than both players.
The Real Madrid number 10 was even more confident when discussing the Ballon d’Or, insisting that his historic performances at the 2026 World Cup had strengthened his case considerably.
“I always believe that history should be rewarded”
“When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you are inevitably associated with these awards. When people meet me in the street, they talk about it. It is a very prestigious distinction for any player.
“I made history this summer in the most prestigious competition. But there is still a long way to go. Everyone is free to decide who they think is the best player in the world.
“It is very personal. Everyone has their opinion. Some will say yes, others will say no. It is a debate, and not everyone has to think like me. This year could be a good year for the Ballon d’Or, but it is awarded by journalists and they will decide.”
Those comments echoed Mourinho’s words from last week.
“The best players in the world, there are two, three or four, and we know who they are: they are at Real Madrid. For me, there is one who individually made history this summer.
“You cannot give the Ballon d’Or to a player only because he won the Champions League or the World Cup. A Ballon d’Or winner has to be one of those players who, when he retires, we will miss forever.”
Mbappé went even further during an interview with France Football. Asked who he would vote for, his answer was immediate.
“For me.”
“I believe I can win it, so I cannot really take a step back from that.”
Asked whether the Ballon d’Or was one of his short-term objectives, he replied:
“Yes, especially in the short term, because it is coming very soon.”
Mbappé then explained why he believes his individual achievements deserve serious consideration.
“Yes, of course. It is an individual trophy. You look at what the player has done individually.
“People say I didn’t win a trophy, but I have never seen a Ballon d’Or winner tick every single box. Has anyone ever won the Ballon d’Or with 100% of the votes? No. That means there is always someone who believes the winner did not deserve it.
“I am not saying I will win it unanimously, but I think I have arguments.
“Becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, going ahead of the greatest legends in the history of the sport in the biggest tournament the sport has created, that is something that burns itself into people’s memories.
“It is a global event. Finishing as the top scorer in the most important competitions, where all the best players in the world compete, is something significant.
“I don’t know if it has ever been done before, but I always believe that history should be rewarded.
“I can understand people who would vote differently. We are not living under a dictatorship of thought, but when I look at the arguments and the competition, I tell myself that, yeah, it wouldn’t be undeserved.”
Catalonia hits back at Mbappé
Who’s the greatest Ballon d’Or winner? 🏆
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 7, 2026
Kylian Mbappé had to choose between legends…
Follow the nominations live on https://t.co/WrVGTh51OO!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/01hbgkFiKA
Mbappé scored 10 goals in eight matches at the 2026 World Cup in the United States and became the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.
But his Ballon d’Or candidacy remains controversial because Real Madrid finished last season without a major trophy.
The Frenchman faces strong competition from Spanish world champions Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Lamine Yamal, while Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has also emerged as a major contender after another outstanding European campaign.
In Catalonia, Mbappé’s confidence was not well received.
Sport wrote: “Mbappé has forgotten humility and is demanding the Ballon d’Or,” highlighting the fact that Real Madrid ended last season empty-handed.
Journalist Albert Ortega was even more critical:
“Mbappé confirms that he is completely lost, that his ego is through the roof and that he does not understand why he failed at Real Madrid. He talks about his goals after needing 31 shots to score four. He presents himself for the Ballon d’Or after winning no trophies and, on top of that, criticises Raphinha and Dembélé.”
El Nacional went further with the headline: “The most narcissistic Mbappé demands the Ballon d’Or.”
The 30 nominees for the award will be revealed tomorrow. Mbappé is almost certain to be among them. The bigger question is whether his historic World Cup performances will be enough for him to lift the Ballon d’Or in London on October 26.
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