Mbappé makes case for Ballon d’Or

MADRID (AP):

Kylian Mbappé believes this could be the year he wins the Ballon d’Or for the first time.

The France and Real Madrid star is optimistic after winning his second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, the highest total in 56 years. He also surpassed Lionel Messi for the most World Cup goals in history with 22. At club level, Mbappé scored 42 goals in 44 matches for Real Madrid, although the Spanish giants ended last season without a major trophy.

“There are many people who 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,” Mbappé said yesterday.

The award will be presented on October 26 in London. Last year’s men’s Ballon d’Or was won by Ousmane Dembélé after helping Paris Saint-Germain secure their first Champions League title.

“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people automatically associate you with this award,” Mbappé added. “I always think I’m the best, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”

Other leading contenders include Harry Kane, who scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich, and Lamine Yamal, who won the World Cup with Spain and La Liga with Barcelona.

“I don’t like making comparisons because I do a lot of things that others don’t,” Mbappé said. “If we get into that it becomes an endless debate, you know?”

Mbappé’s best finish in the Ballon d’Or voting was third place in 2023.

He spoke ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan in Madrid today.