Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has welcomed speculation linking him with the Ballon d’Or after his record-breaking performance at the World Cup this summer.
The France captain scored 10 goals during the tournament to claim the Golden Boot, although France eventually finished fourth. His goalscoring exploits also saw him reach 22 goals in World Cup matches, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
Despite his impressive achievements, Mbappe, 27, is yet to win the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious individual award presented annually to the world’s best player.
Speaking to reporters, Mbappe said playing for Real Madrid naturally places him among the players associated with major individual honours.
“I think that when you play for Real Madrid, which is the best club in the world, naturally people associate you with that kind of award,” Mbappe said.
He acknowledged that supporters frequently discuss his chances of winning the prize but insisted that the final decision rests with voters.
Mbappe added that his performances at the World Cup had given him confidence that he could compete for the award, while stressing that there was still considerable time remaining in the year.
Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappe has continued to produce impressive goalscoring numbers. However, his first two years at the Spanish giants have not delivered the major trophies many expected, with the team also facing questions over its balance and collective performance.
Mbappe has often been discussed alongside Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona’s Raphinha have also been praised for combining individual output with greater involvement in their teams’ overall play.
Also Read: Mbappe admits France fell short against Spain
Mbappe admitted that Real Madrid still have areas to improve but rejected direct comparisons with other forwards.
He said he wanted to improve his all-round contribution while maintaining the goalscoring form that has made him one of the world’s leading attackers.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has previously suggested that he would accept Mbappe scoring fewer goals if it helped the club win more major trophies.
Mbappe said he would also accept a lower individual goal tally if it resulted in titles, but argued that scoring goals and winning trophies should not be viewed as mutually exclusive objectives.
The Frenchman said his priority remained to score and help Real Madrid win silverware, insisting that the two ambitions could be achieved together.
Real Madrid now turn their attention to the Champions League, with the 15-time European champions hosting Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu in their opening league-phase match on Tuesday.
The fixture provides Mourinho with another opportunity to lead his Madrid side back to winning ways after their first defeat of the season.
Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Real Betis in La Liga on Friday, prompting Mourinho to demand a stronger response against the Italian giants.
The Portuguese coach said he wanted his players to win rather than simply produce an attractive performance without securing the result.
The match also carries particular significance for Mourinho, who led Inter Milan to Champions League glory in 2010.
Mourinho guided the Italian club to a historic treble that year, defeating Bayern Munich in the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu before later moving to Real Madrid.
Despite his strong connection with Inter, Mourinho said his past with the club would not affect his approach during the match.
He said the memories would matter before and after the game, but that both teams would be focused entirely on winning once the match began.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu, who played in the 2010 Champions League-winning Inter team under Mourinho, also spoke highly of his former manager.
Chivu described Mourinho as a special person and a winner, saying he was fortunate to have worked with the Portuguese coach.
The Romanian added that Mourinho had demonstrated his winning mentality at Real Madrid and other major clubs and expressed confidence that Madrid could enjoy a successful season.
For Mbappe, the Champions League encounter offers another opportunity to strengthen his case for individual recognition while helping Real Madrid pursue the trophies that have so far eluded him since his move to Spain.
Al Jazeera
