Although Kylian Mbappé did not win a major team trophy during the 2025-26 season, the Real Madrid superstar has firmly established himself as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The French captain has enjoyed an exceptional individual campaign, producing remarkable performances across every major competition. Mbappé finished as the top scorer in La Liga, claimed the Golden Boot in the UEFA Champions League, and also ended the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament’s leading goalscorer. His consistency in front of goal and his ability to deliver on football’s biggest stages have kept him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation, even without adding a collective title to his résumé this season.
The debate surrounding this year’s Ballon d’Or has intensified in recent weeks. Traditionally, the prestigious award has often favored players who combined outstanding individual statistics with major team trophies. However, many observers believe Mbappé’s extraordinary level of performance deserves serious recognition regardless of Real Madrid’s collective results.
His influence throughout the season has been undeniable. Time and again, Mbappé carried Real Madrid during difficult moments, producing decisive goals and match-winning displays when his team needed him most. His performances at the World Cup further strengthened his credentials, as he once again proved capable of shining under immense pressure against the world’s best national teams.
Speaking on Sud Radio on Thursday, French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari voiced her support for Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or candidacy. While acknowledging the fierce competition for football’s most prestigious individual award, she believes the French forward has every reason to be considered among the favorites.
“Why not? In any case, I think it would be great for him and for his career because, as you pointed out, his achievements speak for themselves. He performed brilliantly throughout this World Cup despite, I must say, all the disgraceful attacks he was subjected to. Even today, I want to condemn everything that happened because it has no place in sport. And he was not the only one, either.”
Ferrari’s comments refer not only to Mbappé’s footballing achievements but also to the criticism and abuse he has faced throughout the tournament. During the World Cup, several players were targeted by insults and online harassment, prompting widespread condemnation from football authorities, public figures, and fans alike. The minister stressed that such behavior should never be tolerated in sport and highlighted the importance of protecting athletes from personal attacks.
Her public support reflects the growing belief in France that Mbappé’s individual brilliance should outweigh the absence of team trophies when Ballon d’Or voters make their decision. At just 27 years old, the striker continues to redefine his game, combining explosive pace with improved finishing, creativity, and leadership.
🔴 𝗟𝗔 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗜 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗞𝗬𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘́ 𝗣𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗡 𝗗'𝗢𝗥 ! 🟡🇫🇷
— Vibes Foot (@VibesFoot) July 23, 2026
« Pourquoi pas ? 𝗘𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘀, 𝗷𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗶𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝘂𝗶 𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗿… pic.twitter.com/rrWssSnmZp
The final outcome of the Ballon d’Or race remains uncertain, with several world-class players also enjoying impressive seasons. Nevertheless, Mbappé’s exceptional goalscoring record, his consistency across multiple competitions, and his ability to deliver in decisive moments make him one of the strongest candidates for football’s highest individual honor.
Whether those performances will ultimately be enough to secure the coveted Golden Ball remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Kylian Mbappé has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, and his remarkable season ensures that his name will remain at the center of the Ballon d’Or debate until the winner is officially announced.
