Before Champions League, Kylian Mbappé campaigns for Ballon d'Or

Kylian Mbappe, the Real Madrid forward, believes this could be a year where he secures his first Ballon d’Or. Last season, he netted 42 goals in 44 games for his club, yet they failed to claim any trophies. Mbappe also claimed the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, bringing his career tally at World Cups to 22 – a record. He told reporters, "When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award."

Many are talking about Mbappe and the Ballon d’Or. He acknowledged, "Of course, I've made history in the most important competition. Maybe it's a good year for this, but people can vote according to what they think." Despite considering himself the best player in the world, he emphasized, "Everyone has their own opinion." He also mentioned, "Of course, this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or.

But journalists vote." The highest Mbappe has ever placed in the Ballon d’Or rankings is third, which he achieved in 2023 while playing for Paris Saint-Germain. Three players with shorter odds to win the Ballon d’Or are England's Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Mbappe's teammate Rodri. Mbappe, a former Monaco player, is the top scorer for both PSG with 256 goals in 308 matches and France with 66 in 106.

He has scored 90 goals in 107 matches for Real Madrid but hasn't won a major trophy since joining the club two years ago. He has won eight consecutive golden boots – six in Ligue 1 and two in La Liga – along with two in World Cups and another two in the Champions League. Mbappe stated, "I can't change it. The truth is that I really don't care.

I know how to analyse football, I know why. I don't know everything about football but I know more than most." He also remarked on Real Madrid's lack of recent trophies, saying, "My experience with Real Madrid says I shouldn't think too long-term because a lot can change. I want to think how I can be ready, to help my team to win the game and to start the Champions League in a good way."