Kylian Mbappé 2025 Ballon d’Or? Here’s what you need to know

After Rodri’s triumph, France Football is set to award the 2025 Ballon d’Or to one of the world’s best footballers. Having joined Real Madrid to boost his chances of winning the prestigious accolade, Kylian Mbappé has made a strong start with his recent performances.

Kylian Mbappé, one of the most talented players of his generation, is in contention for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or. Since his professional debut, Mbappé has captured the attention of fans and football observers worldwide with his outstanding performances and charisma on the pitch. From AS Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain, where he gave his all, the 26-year-old forward is now at one of the greatest, if not the greatest, clubs in the world: Real Madrid. Destined for the Madrid club since his childhood, the Bondy-born star made a bold decision last summer by signing for Los Blancos.

While he sought to win everything with France’s biggest club before joining his childhood dream team, Mbappé fell short due to Paris Saint-Germain’s limitations on the European stage. Despite Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s refusal to let him go, KM9 did everything possible to sign for Real Madrid and quickly position himself as a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. As the year progresses, the French striker knows there is no time to waste. Beyond his goals for Real over the past seven months, what makes him a serious contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or? Here’s what you need to know.

Kylian Mbappé’s stellar stats

Since his arrival in Madrid, Kylian Mbappé has commanded respect. After a few months of adapting to his new teammates, the French captain already has more goals than any other Real Madrid player this season. In 31 appearances wearing the White House jersey, the former PSG star has already scored 19 goals across all competitions, including three in three finals since his arrival (in the UEFA Super Cup, the Club Intercontinental Cup final, and the Spanish Super Cup).

Currently the second-highest scorer in La Liga with 12 goals, behind Robert Lewandowski’s 16, Mbappé has all the qualities to target the Pichichi title. Since December, the former Monaco star has returned to being a formidable, unstoppable striker in front of goal. More clinical in the penalty area, KM9 is on track to have a fantastic second half of the season with Real Madrid, who lead La Liga with 46 points after 20 games.

In excellent form, Kylian Mbappé could become a key asset for Real in the Champions League. Having scored two goals in the competition, he has the potential to climb the scoring charts and catch Lewandowski, who currently leads with seven goals.

The new leader of Real Madrid’s attack

Mbappé has become the darling of the Spanish and, more importantly, Madrid press since the Spanish Super Cup 2025, played in Saudi Arabia. His performances on the pitch are the reason behind the hype. Beyond goals and several assists, the former PSG player is starting to take charge of the attack. In great form, he makes life difficult for opposing defences. Even in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona (a 5-2 loss), KM9 was a constant thorn in the side of Jules Koundé and company.

Since the start of 2025, he has surpassed Vinícius Júnior, thanks to unexpected yet impressive performances during his first season wearing Real Madrid’s iconic white jersey. If he maintains this form, Mbappé could quickly overtake Mohamed Salah, who remains the bookmakers’ favourite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Real Madrid’s crucial end to the season

If Mbappé is to win the next Ballon d’Or and succeed Rodri, it will undoubtedly be thanks to Real Madrid’s results. Despite defensive struggles, Carlo Ancelotti’s side remains in contention on multiple fronts. As La Liga leaders, Florentino Pérez’s team must make a strong comeback in the Champions League to give KM9 a real shot at the trophy. On track to score over 30 goals this season—a key figure to influence the France Football voting jury—the 26-year-old striker will need a solid team behind him to compete with Europe’s heavyweights.

Still alive in the competition, Real Madrid must give their all to advance past the Round of 16 and work their usual Champions League miracles. Add to this the Copa del Rey, where the team will face Leganés in the quarter-finals, and Real Madrid’s chances of securing silverware are very much alive. Mbappé couldn’t ask for a better scenario to cement himself as the ultimate favourite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Mbappé’s image and communication strategy

Now known for his polished communication skills, Kylian Mbappé knows how to handle the media. Unlike Vinícius Júnior, who narrowly missed out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or due to reactions deemed excessive by some observers, including Real Madrid legends like Sami Khedira, Mbappé steers clear of controversies that could harm his reputation. Always respectful towards referees, even in the face of unfair decisions, the French striker ensures his image remains untarnished.

With fair play recently added as a key criterion by UEFA, KM9 has done everything right to meet these expectations. Winning the Ballon d’Or involves ticking multiple boxes, and Mbappé currently stands as a strong contender. Should Real Madrid work their magic in the second half of the season, becoming invincible even against Europe’s top teams, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the new No. 9 at Real Madrid crowned as the leading candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Here’s the current list of Ballon d’Or 2025 favourites according to bookmakers: