MBAPPE SAYS HE WOULD VOTE FOR HIMSELF FOR BALLON D'OR

Kylian Mbappe stated he would vote for himself to win the Ballon d'Or if given the opportunity, citing his individual achievements. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League match against Inter Milan, Mbappe said the award recognises individual performance rather than team success. He noted that becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history represented a significant personal accomplishment. Mbappe added that journalists ultimately determine the winner of the award.

Mbappe holds the World Cup scoring record with 22 goals across 22 appearances for France, surpassing Lionel Messi by one goal and Miroslav Klose by five goals. He acknowledged that playing for Real Madrid naturally associates him with contention for major individual honours. Mbappe stated he held a positive feeling about his chances, observing that members of the public had mentioned the award to him. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on 26 October 2026 in London.

Several players are understood to be in contention for the award, including Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi, according to reporting on the matter. Mbappe acknowledged that no clear front-runner has emerged. He described his World Cup goalscoring record as something that would remain in people's minds when assessing his candidacy.