I can still win the Ballon d'Or despite a challenging season, says Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe expressed his conviction that he remains deserving of the Ballon d'Or award, even though he did not secure any trophies with Real Madrid throughout the season. Additionally, France's World Cup journey concluded with a semi-final loss to Spain.

In an interview with France Football, the 27-year-old praised new France coach Zinedine Zidane and expressed his belief that his performances deserved acknowledgment as the world's best player.

I am confident that I can achieve victory this year. “It’s one of my goals, and a short-term one at that,” Mbappe stated. People say I haven't won a trophy, whether for club or country, but this is an individual award. I’ve never seen a Ballon d’Or winner elected unanimously. "Has anyone ever won with a complete consensus of the vote? That implies there is always someone who believes the winner was unworthy of the accolade.

Mbappe netted 15 goals in the Champions League and 25 in LaLiga, bringing his World Cup total to 22, which made him the competition's all-time leading scorer. However, France's journey concluded with a 2-0 semi-final loss to Spain.

My perspective on the Ballon d’Or is shaped by the Messi and Ronaldo era—it's not awarded to ordinary players, but rather to those who stand out as exceptional. I believe I approached things differently this year, which gives me confidence that I can win it.

When asked if he believed he would be a worthy winner, Mbappe was unequivocal. "There was no player better than me. We were discussing accomplishments. To achieve such a remarkable number of goals in major competitions, where all the elite players compete, and especially at the World Cup, the pinnacle of events, to become the all-time leading scorer of the tournament—during my holidays, that was the topic of conversation for everyone," he stated. "It's challenging to thoroughly understand the significance of the World Cup. It’s a contest among the exceptional athletes, the luminaries, the finest players in the annals of the sport. At just 27, I find it remarkable that I am already the one who has scored the most goals...

“It’s particularly significant as you surpass the record held by Leo Messi, who is regarded by many as one of the greatest players in history, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.” It’s remarkable. That type of accomplishment is distinct.

The forward commended the selection of 1998 World Cup champion Zidane, who took over from Didier Deschamps as the head coach of France.

For the French, he holds immense significance—he is a legend, the nation's 'Zizou,' embodying elegance and greatness. He left a significant impact on the history of the national team as a player, and he experienced some genuinely iconic moments," Mbappe expressed with enthusiasm. " He may be the player who best represents the France team. He is a player who has transcended generations. He made a lasting impact on the history of French football.