This could be my Ballon d’Or year: Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe believes this could finally be the year he wins the Ballon d’Or, despite Real Madrid’s trophy drought last season.

The France captain scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Madrid last season but ended the campaign without a major trophy.

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He also claimed the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals, taking his record World Cup tally to 22, although France finished fourth.

“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award,” Mbappe 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.”

Mbappe has never won the prestigious individual award, with his best finish coming in 2023 when he was third while at Paris St-Germain.

He is not the bookmakers’ favourite this year, however. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane leads the betting after scoring a club-record 61 goals in 51 games last season as Bayern won the German double.

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal is second favourite, with his club and Spain team-mate Rodri next in line.

Mbappe, 27, remains confident 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.

“Of course this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or. But journalists vote.”

The former Monaco and PSG forward has scored 90 goals in 107 games since joining Real Madrid, but is yet to win a major trophy during his two years at the Bernabeu.

That has been the biggest blemish on an otherwise extraordinary individual record.

Mbappe has won eight consecutive league Golden Boots, six in Ligue 1 and two in La Liga. He has also claimed two World Cup Golden Boots and two Champions League scoring titles.

He lifted the World Cup with France in 2018, but has never won the Champions League at club level.

That drought has become more striking since his departure from PSG, who won the Champions League for the first time in their history in Mbappe’s first season away from the club and retained the trophy the following campaign.

“I can’t change it,” Mbappe said of PSG’s success without him. “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.”

For now, Mbappe insists his focus is on helping Real Madrid rather than dwelling on what happened last season.

“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.”