With the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist announced, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé sat down for an exclusive interview with the award’s organizer, France Football. During the conversation, Mbappé discussed this year’s Ballon d’Or race in detail.

Question: You don’t have the Champions League or a Ballon d’Or in your honours list yet. How do you view this year’s Ballon d’Or?

Mbappé: “I believe I can win it this year. It is one of my goals, and it is a short-term goal. It is coming very soon.”

Question: Do you think you have enough reasons to win the Ballon d’Or this year?

Mbappé: “Yes, of course. I think it is an individual award. We are looking at players’ performances on a personal level.

People are saying now that I haven’t won trophies, but I have never seen a Ballon d’Or where everyone agreed, where every single criterion was perfectly fulfilled. I don’t know, you are the people in charge of the Ballon d’Or — has anyone ever received 100% of the votes?”

“That means there will always be someone who thinks a player does not deserve it. Becoming the top scorer in World Cup history, surpassing all the greatest legends in the most important competition in sport — for some people, that is something difficult to accept.”

“It is a global tournament. Being the top scorer in the biggest competitions, including the Champions League, and also in La Liga, where all the world’s best players compete, is extremely important. I don’t know if anyone has ever achieved something like that. My principle is that historical records should always be rewarded. Of course, this is decided by voting, and the selection will always involve personal opinions.”

Question: The most important criterion is individual performance...

Mbappé: “I have always believed that the Ballon d’Or should reward exceptional players. Of course, teamwork is important; football is a team sport. But ultimately, it is an individual award.

My understanding of the Ballon d’Or comes from the era of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It was never awarded to ordinary players. It was always given to outstanding players. I believe my performances this year have been different from the rest. That is why I believe I can win this award.”

Question: At your age, do you feel you should already have won one?

Mbappé: “In some years, I felt I was the best player in the world. I couldn’t see anyone better than me. Then, when Messi came to the ceremony and won the award, I said the best player was on that stage, and that was completely fine. When Cristiano Ronaldo won, I said the same thing.

As for others, even if they have won the Ballon d’Or, I would never trade places with them. But that is what makes it beautiful, because it also creates a story.”

Question: Over the past season, do you believe you were the best player in the world?

Mbappé: “There was no player better than me. We are talking about achievements. In major tournaments where the greatest players gather, I scored so many goals. And of course, there is the World Cup, the most important competition. I am the top scorer in World Cup history. People were talking about these achievements throughout the entire holiday period.”

“The importance of the World Cup is impossible to describe. It is a tournament that brings together the greatest players, the biggest stars, and the best footballers in history. Just think about it — I am only 27 years old, and I am already the player with the most goals in World Cup history.

What makes it even more incredible is that I broke Messi’s record. Messi, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, is considered by many people to be one of the greatest players of all time. That is something extraordinary. This kind of achievement is truly special.”

Question: Who would you vote for?

Mbappé: “Myself (laughs). Objectively speaking, I can understand those who have different voting preferences. There is no dictatorship of opinions.

But when you look at the arguments and the competition, this would not be a stolen award.”

Question: Winning the Ballon d’Or must feel amazing. Have you asked Dembélé about it?

Mbappé: “Yes, it must be great. He smiles more now!”

Question: Ten years ago, few people would have imagined that he would win this award before you.

Mbappé: “But he was always considered a player with incredible talent. I was always seen as the chosen one. I reached the top level very early.

His journey was different from mine. He suffered a lot from injuries, but he eventually completed an incredible comeback.”

Question: Ten years ago, people might have thought you would already have a Ballon d’Or by now...

Mbappé: “Yes, but ten years ago, nobody would have imagined Messi would still be playing at 39 years old and win three more Ballon d’Or awards. He and Cristiano Ronaldo did not leave many opportunities for others.

Then, in some other years, the award went to the best player from the best team rather than the player who was truly the best in the world at that moment.”

Question: Can you imagine ending your career without winning the Champions League or the Ballon d’Or?

Mbappé: “Yes, I can. Those things are earned on the pitch. Well, the Ballon d’Or also depends on voting.

But before thinking about ten years from now, you have to focus on the present. Regarding the Ballon d’Or, I have a great opportunity this year.”