Why Mbappé deserves the Ballon d’Or, according to Valdano

For Jorge Valdano, Real Madrid’s failure to win a major trophy last season should not be used as an argument to rule Kylian Mbappé out of the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or will be awarded on October 26, and predictions are already multiplying across the football world. Several major figures in the game believe that Kylian Mbappé has all the credentials required to lift the prestigious individual trophy.

Jorge Valdano, the former Real Madrid player, coach and executive, has now publicly backed the French superstar. Speaking on Movistar+ Deportes, the Argentine defended Mbappé against those who believe the forward should not be considered a serious contender because Real Madrid ended last season without a major trophy.

“They say: ‘No, but he didn’t win any titles…’ Well, I would tell them that it is much more difficult to score goals in a team that does not play well together,” Valdano said.

For the former Real Madrid director, Mbappé’s individual performances should be judged in their proper context. Despite Madrid’s collective struggles, the Frenchman continued to deliver remarkable numbers in front of goal and remained one of the most decisive players in European football.

Valdano went even further in his praise of the 27-year-old striker.

“I’m a huge fan of Mbappé. In my eyes, he is a thoroughbred who is at the peak of his career, experiencing a moment of absolute fulfilment thanks to his age, his confidence and his class,” he added.

Mbappé’s incredible numbers at Real Madrid

Valdano also pointed to Mbappé’s outstanding efficiency since arriving in Spain. The French international has established himself as Real Madrid’s main attacking weapon and has consistently delivered impressive statistics.

During his first season with Los Blancos, Mbappé scored 44 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions. He followed that remarkable campaign with another spectacular year, finding the net 42 times in 47 matches last season.

And he has started the new campaign in exactly the same fashion.

🚨 Kylian Mbappé has the MOST G/A in La Liga since he joined Real Madrid, with 68 G/A in 68 games.

No other player has more than 49. @statmusefc 🤯 pic.twitter.com/UUhWcelHEI

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 31, 2026

After only three La Liga matches this season, Mbappé has already scored four goals, once again confirming his status as one of the most dangerous forwards in world football.

His ability to maintain such an exceptional scoring rate, even when Real Madrid have not always performed at their best collectively, is precisely why Valdano believes he deserves to be among the leading candidates for football’s most prestigious individual award.

For the Argentine, winning trophies should obviously play a role in the Ballon d’Or debate, but it should not completely overshadow individual brilliance.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that Mbappé is one of the main candidates for the Ballon d’Or,” Valdano concluded.

With the ceremony scheduled for October 26, the debate surrounding the 2026 Ballon d’Or is only beginning. But if Mbappé continues scoring at his current rate, his name is likely to remain at the heart of the conversation until the very end.