{
  "id": 6142810,
  "title": "2026 could be my year to win Ballon d’Or — Mbappe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/2026-could-be-my-year-to-win-ballon-dor-mbappe",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T15:06:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/2026-could-be-my-year-to-win-ballon-dor-mbappe/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe is expressing optimism that 2026 could be the year he secures the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. During a press conference prior to Real Madrid's Champions League fixture against Inter Milan at the Estadio Bernabéu, the 27-year-old stated, \"2026 could be my year to win the Ballon d’Or.\" Although he personally believes he is the best player in the world, Mbappe acknowledged that people are entitled to their own opinions on the matter. He explained, \"I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award.\"\n\nMbappe highlighted that there have been many discussions surrounding his potential Ballon d’Or candidacy. He emphasized, \"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.\" The forward reiterated that his confidence in his abilities does not necessitate a debate about who is the best player globally. He added, \"I always think I’m the best [player in the world], but everyone has their own opinion. Maybe people think different ways. I don’t think it’s a discussion we need to have.\"\n\nThe French captain has previously claimed the 2018 World Cup with France, but finished in fourth place during the 2022 edition, behind defending champions Spain, first runners-up Argentina, and third-placed England. Mbappe scored 10 goals in the tournament, bringing his career tally at World Cups to 22. Additionally, he netted 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season, yet the team failed to win any trophies. According to BBC Sport, Mbappe's highest ranking in the Ballon d’Or standings was third place in 2023 while he was a PSG player.",
  "summary": "Kylian Mbappe believes 2026 could be his year to win the Ballon d’Or, despite strong competition. Read his thoughts on the prestigious award and his career Read More: https://punchng.com/2026-could-be-my-year-to-win-ballon-dor-mbappe/",
  "key_points": [
    "Kylian Mbappe optimistic about winning Ballon d’Or in 2026.",
    "French forward believes he’s best player in the world.",
    "Mbappe scored 42 goals for Real Madrid last season."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Mbappe's confidence in his abilities and his optimism about winning the Ballon d’Or in 2026 shifts the focus to how his potential move to Real Madrid could influence voters.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "2026 could be my year to win Ballon d’Or — Mbappe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/2026-could-be-my-year-to-win-ballon-dor-mbappe",
        "published": "2026-09-07T15:30:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}