Kylian Mbappé says he knew Ballon d’Or talk would annoy

Kylian Mbappé has acknowledged that his outspoken Ballon d’Or campaign was bound to irritate some people in France. The France captain says he understood the reaction before making his statements and accepted the consequences of presenting himself so confidently.

During the campaign, Mbappé promoted his case alongside Lamine Yamal and highlighted his performances at the World Cup. He described himself as the leading candidate in his own view and said he believed the year could bring him the Ballon d’Or. He also maintained that position during a press conference with Real Madrid, where he identified himself as the world’s best player while recognising that others would disagree.

His comments were seen in France as excessive self-confidence and reportedly caused tension with some of his friends, including Ousmane Dembélé. Mbappé, who is 27, has now won the 2026 Onze d’Or and used an interview to explain why he had spoken so directly.

He said he knows France’s history and culture, as well as the effect such declarations can have there. For Mbappé, the claims reflect both his personality and a deliberate source of motivation. He believes a player cannot enter a match thinking someone else is capable of doing the job better, because that creates a mental barrier. He also said he is prepared to accept responsibility whether his approach leads to success or failure.