Mbappe: a good year to win Balon d'Or

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe admits he is among the favorites to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or after claiming the Golden Boot at this summer's World Cup and becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer.

Speaking to the press ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League opener at home to Inter Milan on Tuesday night, Mbappe was asked about the Ballon d'Or. Mbappe's 10 goals in the United States this summer took his World Cup total to 22. He also brushed aside suggestions that he and Vinicius Jr. do not work well together, although he did comment that it was "a never-ending debate and they all need to improve."