Thierry Henry backs Mbappé, Olise for Ballon d’Or

Thierry Henry has expressed confidence in Kylian Mbappé to secure the Ballon d’Or award over Harry Kane. Mbappé, who scored 25 goals in LaLiga and 15 in the Champions League, has never won the prestigious individual prize. Henry stated that Mbappé's achievements should make him a strong contender this year. The French forward also praised Michael Olise, who scored 15 goals and provided 21 assists in the Bundesliga, positioning him as a close alternative to Mbappé.

Other players Henry mentioned as strong candidates include Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Lionel Messi, who would have won the award nine times if Argentina had won the World Cup. Harry Kane, who scored 36 goals in the Bundesliga, was also acknowledged as a strong player last season, but Henry believed this year to be more challenging.

The French media personality acknowledged that opinions on the best player in the world vary, referencing Jude Bellingham, who was voted best World Cup player by some. Ultimately, Mbappé's chances of winning the Ballon d’Or rest on the vote of journalists, whom Henry noted will decide the winner.