Mbappe says World Cup heroics keep Ballon d’Or hopes alive despite empty trophy cabinet

Kylian Mbappé told reporters that he still believes he can win the Ballon d’Or even though his first two seasons at Real Madrid have ended without any silverware. The 26‑year‑old said his performances for France at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored a brace in the final, should carry weight in the voting process. "I know I can still be the best player in the world," Mbappé said, according to Al Jazeera.

Mbappé’s move to the Spanish giants in the summer of 2024 was billed as the final piece of a dream team that could dominate Europe. Instead, the club has struggled to lift a trophy, finishing runners‑up in La Liga and exiting early from the Champions League in both 2024‑25 and 2025‑26. Al Jazeera noted that the French forward has not added any club titles to his résumé since joining the Bernabéu, a stark contrast to his trophy‑laden spell at Paris Saint‑Germain.

The striker hopes that his World Cup record will offset the club shortfall. His two goals in the 2022 final and a total of eight goals in the tournament earned him a place among the competition’s standout performers. Al Jazeera highlighted that the Ballon d’Or voting panel, which includes journalists, national team coaches and captains, often rewards players for delivering on the biggest stages, not just domestic success.

Historically, the Ballon d’Or has favoured players whose clubs win major titles, but there are notable exceptions. Lionel Messi secured the award in 2019 despite Barcelona’s loss in the Champions League final, and Luka Modrić won in 2018 after Real Madrid’s European triumph but a modest league campaign. The award’s criteria blend individual brilliance, team achievements and overall impact on the sport. Mbappé’s situation mirrors those past cases where exceptional personal moments have tipped the scales in a close race.

Looking ahead, Mbappé’s confidence could influence Real Madrid’s strategy as they aim to reclaim domestic dominance. If the French star continues to deliver decisive goals for both club and country, he may well stay in the conversation when the Ballon d’Or shortlist is announced later this year. The upcoming season will test whether his individual brilliance can translate into collective success, a narrative that will be watched closely by fans and pundits alike.