Kylian Mbappe insists he is the rightful winner of this year's Ballon d'Or, despite enduring a trophyless season with Real Madrid and suffering a World Cup semi-final exit with France. The prolific forward believes his individual goalscoring heroics and record-breaking international feats set him apart from his rivals.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has mounted a strong defence of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe after the star pair faced whistles at the Santiago Bernabeu. Addressing the media before Saturday's Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, Mourinho insisted both players are giving everything for the team.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on a controversial viral meme that depicts him as a military dictator. The France captain expressed his concern over the trend, suggesting it highlights a worrying lack of historical and political understanding among modern football fans.
France's record-breaking captain doesn't deserve to be crowned the best player in the world, despite having the backing of his new manager at Real Madrid
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has been named the club's Player of the Month for August following a vote by supporters. The French forward insisted it remains a privilege to represent Los Blancos while backing his team-mates to achieve great things this season.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has boldly claimed that Lamine Yamal deserves to win the Ballon d'Or following his record-breaking performance in the Champions League. The teenage sensation was the catalyst as the Catalan giants dismantled Feyenoord 5-1 to open their European campaign in emphatic fashion.
Harry Kane has his “hat in the ring” when it comes to Ballon d’Or recognition, ex-England striker Andy Cole has told GOAL, but the prolific Bayern Munich striker is not considered to be a guaranteed pick for Golden Ball glory in 2026. The Three Lions captain does figure on the list of nominees, but faces fierce competition from the likes of Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Kylian Mbappe equalled Raul's Champions League goalscoring tally to help Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory over Inter. The France captain struck his 71st goal in the competition, guiding Jose Mourinho's side to a crucial European win at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on France’s painful exit from the 2026 World Cup, refusing to label the semi-final defeat to Spain as the lowest point of his illustrious career. The Real Madrid superstar remains defiant despite the setback, insisting that the Les Bleus' hunger for international glory remain completely intact.
Former France international Christophe Dugarry has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe, following the Real Madrid star's recent comments regarding his individual accolades. The 1998 World Cup winner believes the forward's public pursuit of personal glory undermines his responsibilities as a leader for both club and country.
Kylian Mbappe has insisted it is only natural that he is being discussed as a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or following his historic exploits at the World Cup this summer. Speaking ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Inter Milan, the French captain admitted that the prestige of playing for the Spanish giants makes the conversation around individual accolades unavoidable.
Real Madrid suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Real Betis after Kylian Mbappe missed a crucial penalty. Betis defender Marc Bartra has since revealed the clever tactical secret behind his decisive clearance following the save, admitting he consulted a former referee to exploit the encroachment rules.
Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season in a dramatic clash against Real Betis at La Cartuja, but the post-match talk has been dominated by a single moment of officiating controversy. Despite claims that Marc Bartra encroached on Kylian Mbappe's late penalty, the officials correctly stood by their decision not to order a retake.
Kylian Mbappe is only a “top three” player in the world at present, Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid and France superstar expected to miss out on Ballon d’Or recognition again in 2026. Harry Kane is a leading contender to land that prize, but Sagna has snubbed the Bayern Munich striker when revealing his pick for Golden Ball glory.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe reportedly acted as an unofficial consultant for Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s frantic search for midfield reinforcements. The French forward was asked to provide a character reference for Roma's Manu Kone as the Blues prepared to sanction Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
