Kylian Mbappé Eyes First Ballon d'Or Following Record-Breaking World Cup

According to Khaosod Online, Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappé has expressed optimism regarding his chances of winning his first Ballon d'Or this year. The 27-year-old striker recorded 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid last season. While his club did not secure a major title, Mbappé’s performance at the 2026 World Cup was historic; he earned the Golden Boot with 10 goals, bringing his total career World Cup tally to 22—a new record—despite France finishing in fourth place.

Mbappé noted that playing for Real Madrid naturally aligns him with such prestigious individual honors. He stated that while he personally considers himself the best player in the world, he acknowledges that the final decision rests with the journalists who vote for the award. His previous highest ranking for the Ballon d'Or was third place in 2023.

For residents and football fans in Thailand, this news highlights the global attention surrounding the sport's top stars. While Mbappé feels confident in his candidacy, the official outcome remains to be confirmed by the voting panel. Whether his record-breaking international performance will outweigh his club's lack of silverware this past season remains the primary point of discussion among football analysts.