The Real Madrid star is actively making his case for the next Ballon d’Or, but some of his recent comments have irritated sections of the Spanish media.
Kylian Mbappé believes he has a genuine chance of winning the Ballon d’Or. The French forward has even admitted that failing to claim the prestigious individual award would be a disappointment after what he considers an outstanding personal season.
“Yes, it would be disappointing not to win it. I was the top scorer in all the major competitions. I had a great year individually,” Mbappé said in a recent interview with RFI.
However, those comments have not been particularly well received in Spain. Several journalists and pundits remain unconvinced by the Real Madrid striker’s candidacy and believe other players have stronger arguments.
During the Spanish radio programme El Larguero, a number of journalists compared Mbappé’s season with those of his main rivals for the award.
Antón Meana pointed out that several other candidates can also present impressive cases. “You can talk about Lamine Yamal’s candidacy, but also Rodri and even Fabián Ruiz, because they won the Champions League and the World Cup,” he said.
Meana also mentioned Harry Kane, who finished the season as the European Golden Shoe winner, as well as Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, all of whom played important roles in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph.
“The Golden Shoe belongs to Harry Kane”
🗣️ Kylian Mbappé: “Playing for France until 41 like Cristiano? We have to be honest, considering the country I play in: France would never let me play until I’m 41 (laughs).
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 23, 2026
But Cristiano shows that if you’re in good physical and mental shape, you can play at this high level… pic.twitter.com/PI9w5TE2ZK
Dani Garrido was also critical of Mbappé’s argument, particularly the Frenchman’s emphasis on individual statistics.
“He keeps insisting that individual performances should determine the award, but he is forgetting something. He did not win the European Golden Shoe. Harry Kane did,” Garrido explained.
“He won the Pichichi, yes, but the scoring total in La Liga was relatively low this season. Players such as Salva Ballesta, Diego Forlán, Juan Antonio Pizzi and Dani Güiza have scored more goals in previous seasons while playing for teams that were not as powerful as Real Madrid.”
Garrido also questioned Mbappé’s performances at the World Cup, arguing that his goals should be placed in context.
“He says he enjoys the biggest stages. Scoring at a World Cup against Iraq, Sweden and Paraguay, with all due respect to those teams, is obviously positive. But then not scoring, barely influencing the game and failing to find solutions in what was arguably the tournament’s biggest showcase — Spain’s 2-0 victory over France — must also count.”
Antonio Romero went even further in his criticism of the Real Madrid forward.
“If Mbappé believes he has had a good year, then he has a problem, and Real Madrid have another one, because he is living outside reality,” Romero said.
The debate underlines how divided opinion remains around Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or credentials. While his individual numbers give him reasons for confidence, several Spanish commentators believe trophies, performances in decisive matches and the achievements of his rivals must also be taken into account.
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for late October in London, Mbappé’s campaign is clearly underway — but in Spain, at least, his candidacy is far from convincing everyone.
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