Mbappe Confident, But Fears Disappointment If 2026 Ballon d’Or Evades Him

Real Madrid's prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe, has openly shared his sentiments regarding the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, admitting that he would feel a sense of disappointment should he fail to secure the coveted prize. The French national team captain is currently among the elite list of 30 nominees vying for the prestigious football recognition and is widely considered one of the leading contenders.

However, Mbappe's path to the Ballon d'Or is fraught with formidable competition. He faces strong challenges from emerging talents like Lamine Yamal, seasoned midfielders such as Rodri, prolific strikers like Harry Kane, the dynamic Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and the legendary Lionel Messi, who continues to defy expectations.

Speaking to RFI, Mbappe conveyed his strong belief in his current form and capabilities. "I can really feel it’s a good year for me," he stated, emphasizing his competitive drive. He further elaborated on his mindset, saying, "I would be disappointed to not win it. When a competitor doesn’t win, he is disappointed. I am competitive!"

Mbappe's confidence is anchored in a remarkable run of form, having ended previous seasons as the highest goal scorer in major competitions including the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and the FIFA World Cup, underscoring his consistent elite-level performances.