{
  "id": 9311111,
  "title": "Exclusive | Michael Owen: ‘Kylian Mbappé has a big chance to win the Ballon d’Or.’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/exclusive-michael-owen-kylian-mbappe-has-a-big-chance-to-win-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T10:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/exclusive-michael-owen-kylian-mbapp-101000107.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen expressed his belief that Kylian Mbappé has a strong chance of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award this year. Speaking exclusively to Get French Football News, Owen highlighted Mbappé's impressive goal-scoring records, both in La Liga and at the World Cup, as key factors contributing to his campaign. While he acknowledged that not winning a major title during the World Cup year and missing out on the Champions League could slightly diminish his chances, Owen emphasized that Mbappé's exceptional achievements still place him in contention for the award.\n\nIn addition to Mbappé, Owen named Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as viable candidates for the Ballon d’Or. He praised Dembélé's Champions League triumph, but pointed out that Mbappé's World Cup performance was more outstanding. Similarly, Owen acknowledged Kvaratskhelia's success at Paris Saint-Germain, but noted that his exclusion from the World Cup might give Mbappé a slight edge. Despite these factors, Owen predicted that both Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia would be strong contenders for the award.\n\nOwen also reminisced about his time playing alongside Zinedine Zidane during his season at Real Madrid. He described Zidane as an exceptional technical player, excelling in ball control, skill, football intelligence, and finishing. Owen highlighted the depth of Zidane's abilities, stating that he was one of the best players he had ever played with during his career. While Zidane did not express any interest in coaching during their time together, Owen acknowledged that his football intelligence made him a potential candidate for the role later in his career.",
  "summary": "Speaking exclusively to Get French Football News, former Liverpool and England striker – and Ballon d’Or winner – Michael Owen gave his thoughts on who might win this year’s accolade, as well ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Michael Owen believes Kylian Mbappé has strong chance at winning Ballon d’Or.",
    "Highlights Mbappé's goal-scoring records in La Liga and World Cup.",
    "Names Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as other Ballon d’Or contenders."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Kylian Mbappe speaks on Michael Olise’s links with Real Madrid: ‘Every club would love to have him’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/kylian-mbappe-speaks-on-michael-olises-links-with-real-madrid-every",
        "published": "2026-09-23T06:40:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}