Mbappé defends his status as best player against PSG's exploits
In an interview with France Football, Kylian Mbappé, captain of France, says he was the best player of the past season and believes he deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while congratulating PSG, double Champions League champions.
Confidence and personal ambitions
Kylian Mbappé, captain of France, says he was the best player of the past season and believes he deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He adds that he considered himself the best player in the world, even though other players have been chosen.
Analysis of the European landscape
He congratulates PSG, which has won two consecutive Champions League titles, emphasizing that “they are the team to beat”. The Real Madrid striker was also asked about Paris Saint‑Germain’s success since his departure.
“They’re just cycles,” Mbappé explains, noting that his last year in Paris under Luis Enrique was part of the cycle started by the club. He recalls that the club reached a semi‑final, a hair’s breadth from a final, and that “this is year II” of a new cycle. PSG has indeed begun this new cycle by signing five starters.
Regarding the Ballon d’Or, he describes it as an individual trophy and says he can win it this year. In his view, “objectively, nobody had a better season than me last season.”
Zidane must break the Ballon d’Or curse with France
He reminds that the award should reward a different player, citing the Messi‑Ronaldo era when the trophy was never given to an ordinary player. He believes his performances this season fully justify his candidacy.
Among the youngsters, he praises Lamine Yamal for his all‑round game and Estevao for his special creativity. He adds that Arda Guler, Endrick, Warren Zaire‑Emery and Desire Doue have a promising future.
Mbappé lauds José Mourinho, calling him very intelligent and impressive for his intellect. He notes that Mourinho knows what he is doing and where he is going, thus providing a clear direction for footballers.
Ballon d’Or 2026 places Mbappé and Dembélé at the heart of a tension
He says he started the season in exceptional form, with five goals in five matches across all competitions. He hints that this momentum could influence his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or.