Mbappe: This could be my year to win the Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has said the current period could be a good time for him to finally win the Ballon d'Or, though he stressed the decision ultimately rests with the journalists who vote.

The 27-year-old scored 42 goals in 44 games for his club last season, yet Real Madrid finished the campaign without silverware. At the World Cup, Mbappe claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals, pushing his career World Cup tally to a record 22, even though France finished only fourth in the tournament.

His own view on the award

"I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award," Mbappe said, adding that many people already talk about him in connection with the Ballon d'Or and that he has made history in the sport's most important competition. He noted, however, that voters will decide based on their own views, and that while he always considers himself the best player in the world, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Mbappe's best-ever Ballon d'Or finish was third place in 2023, when he was still playing for Paris St-Germain.

Rivals and record

The award will be handed out on 26 October. Bookmakers currently favour England captain Harry Kane, who scored a club-record 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich last season and added six more at the World Cup. Barcelona and Spain's Lamine Yamal, who won La Liga and the World Cup, is second favourite, followed by his club and international team-mate Rodri, formerly of Manchester City.

Mbappe remains the all-time top scorer for both PSG, with 256 goals in 308 appearances, and France, with 66 in 106. Since joining Real Madrid two years ago he has scored 90 goals in 107 matches but has yet to win a major trophy with the club. He also addressed PSG's success since his departure, saying he cannot change what has happened, and said his focus is on helping Real Madrid make a strong start to the new Champions League campaign.