Kylian Mbappe believes 2026 could be the year he finally wins the prestigious Ballon d’Or after producing an impressive campaign for club and country.

The Real Madrid forward is among the leading contenders for the individual honour, with his performances during the year strengthening his case for the award.

Mbappe’s confidence has been boosted by his exploits at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he reached another significant milestone.

The French star emerged as the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, adding another remarkable achievement to his growing list of records.

Speaking before Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Inter Milan, Mbappe acknowledged that his performances have put him in contention for the award.

However, he stressed that the final decision remains in the hands of journalists who vote for the winner.

The 27-year-old said his priority is to continue performing at his best rather than becoming distracted by the individual prize.

Mbappe also enjoyed a prolific domestic campaign with Real Madrid, finishing as LaLiga’s leading scorer. He found the net 42 times across 44 appearances for the Spanish giants, underlining his importance to the club’s attack.

While the Ballon d’Or remains a major personal ambition, Mbappe understands that several other elite players are competing for the honour. Ultimately, the votes will determine whether his outstanding year is enough to earn him football’s most coveted individual award.

For now, the Frenchman is focused on maintaining his form and helping Real Madrid compete for major honours.