Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid forward, has been tipped to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. A former France international made the bold claim. This prediction comes despite Real Madrid’s potential for a trophyless 2025-26 season.
A Bold Individual Forecast
The prediction centers on Mbappé securing football‘s most prestigious individual prize. The 2026 Ballon d’Or recognizes the top male player for the 2025-26 season. Goal.com reported the statement. The news appeared across multiple regional sites, including Canada and Nigeria editions. Chris Burton authored related coverage for the platform.
An unnamed ex-France international declared that Mbappé “WILL be crowned 2026 Ballon d’Or winner!” Goal.com described this as a “huge claim from ex-France star.” It’s a forward-looking prediction. No specific performance statistics for Mbappé from the ongoing 2025-26 season were detailed in the report. The focus remains on future individual success.
Mbappé’s Santiago Bernabéu Journey
Mbappé joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. The 2025-26 season represents a significant period in his early tenure with the club. The forecast highlights Mbappé’s status as a key Real Madrid star. But it arrives amidst a contrasting team outlook. Real Madrid faces a risk of concluding the current season without major silverware. This potential lack of team trophies does not deter the individual prediction.
The Ballon d’Or is an annual award presented by France Football. It acknowledges the world’s best player. Historically, Real Madrid players have won it. Karim Benzema claimed the award in 2022. Luka Modrić received it in 2018. The 2026 award ceremony will typically take place in October of that year. It covers player performance from the previous club season, running from August 2025 to May 2026.
Reporting Details and Outlook
The prediction was published on or before January 26, 2026. This date marks the initial appearance in search results. There aren’t any competing claims or counter-predictions from other trusted sources mentioned. Chris Burton, a writer for Goal.com, has been involved in disseminating this forecast. Other football news outlets also picked up on the story.
No direct quotes from Mbappé himself, Real Madrid officials, or the Ballon d’Or organizers were included in the original reports. The assertion stands solely on the words of the former French international. Real Madrid is currently engaged in both La Liga and Champions League contention.
That’s according to separate reports for the 2025-26 campaign. However, the prediction doesn’t link to any specific verified recent form statistics for Mbappé, such as goals or assists. The club continues its push for titles with Mbappé as a central figure.
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