Kylian Mbappe has suggested that this year could finally be the one in which he claims his first Ballon d'Or, pointing to his goal-scoring exploits for both Real Madrid and France as reasons for optimism.
The 27-year-old forward enjoyed a prolific campaign for Real Madrid, finding the net 42 times in 44 appearances, though the club ended the season without silverware. On the international stage, Mbappe was similarly impressive, claiming the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals despite France's disappointing fourth-place finish. That tally pushed his career World Cup goal record to 22, the most of any player in the tournament's history.
Speaking about his prospects of winning football's most prestigious individual honour, Mbappe acknowledged the weight that comes with representing Real Madrid. "I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award," he said. "There are many people that speak about me and the Ballon d'Or. Of course I've made history in the most important competition. Maybe it's a good year for this but people can vote according to what they think."
The striker was careful not to sound presumptuous about the outcome, even while expressing confidence in his own ability. "I always think I'm the best [player in the world] but everyone has their own opinion," he said. "Maybe people think different ways. I don't think it's a discussion we need to have. Of course this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d'Or. But journalists vote."
Mbappe's best previous finish in the Ballon d'Or standings was third place in 2023, when he was still representing Paris Saint-Germain. This year, however, he faces stiff competition from several other stars. England captain Harry Kane is the bookmakers' favourite following a remarkable club-record 61 goals in 51 matches for treble-chasing Bayern Munich, in addition to six goals at the World Cup. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who won both La Liga and the World Cup with Spain, sits second in the betting, just ahead of his club and international team-mate Rodri, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City. The winner will be announced on 26 October.
Mbappe remains the all-time leading scorer for both PSG, with 256 goals in 308 appearances, and the French national team, netting 66 times in 106 caps. Since his move to the Bernabeu, he has scored 90 goals in 107 matches for Real Madrid, though a major trophy has so far eluded him during his two years at the club. Individually, he has claimed eight consecutive top-scorer awards across various competitions - six Ligue 1 golden boots, two in La Liga, two at World Cups, and two in the Champions League. He was part of France's World Cup-winning squad in 2018, but a Champions League title remains conspicuously absent from his personal collection, even as PSG have won the competition in both seasons since his departure.
Asked about his former club's triumphs without him, Mbappe was pragmatic. "I can't change it," he said. "The truth is that I really don't care. I know how to analyse football, I know why. I don't know everything about football but I know more than most."
Turning to Real Madrid's recent trophy drought, Mbappe struck a note of caution mixed with determination. "My experience with Real Madrid says I shouldn't think too long-term because a lot can change," he said. "I want to think how I can be ready, to help my team to win the game and to start the Champions League in a good way."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.