Mbappé Makes His Case for the Ballon d'Or

Kylian Mbappé argues that his performance last season distinguished him from his peers, making him a deserving candidate for the Ballon d'Or.

"I have always thought the Ballon d'Or should go to a player who stands out from the others. Of course the team factor matters too — football remains a team sport. But this is an individual award. My idea of the Ballon d'Or was shaped in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I believe that last season I did what it takes to stand out. That is why I think I can win the award," said Mbappé.

The Real Madrid forward invokes the two names most associated with the trophy at a moment when both have drifted from the picture he describes. Ronaldo, now with Al-Nassr and on 13 goals since the move in January, misses this year's 30-man shortlist entirely. Messi, who remains Argentina’s captain and plays for Inter Miami, picked up his 10th nomination — one short of the joint record of eight.