Who will be crowned Ballon d’Or 2026? While the race for the most prestigious individual award looks more uncertain than ever, a few candidates stand out despite everything. This is the case of Kylian Mbappé, who is coming off a big season on a personal level (43 goals and 6 assists in 45 appearances with Real Madrid), failing to have lifted any trophies.
Yes, but for Bakary Sagna, the fact that “Kyk’s” did not win a title with the White House and the French team is a black point in his quest for the Ballon d’Or. Moreover, the former Blues defender places his compatriot in the Top 3, but not at the top.
“For me, at the moment, he is in the Top 3. He has had an incredible year and he is, for me, one of the best. But being a striker gives you more chances to score, so more chances of people looking at him favorably.”estimated Sagna with
Goalbefore revealing his big favorite.
Mbappé, “the problem is knowing what his impact was for his team last season…”
“For me, Kvara deserves the Ballon d’Or. Kvara has been phenomenal, and being a winger and having such an impact, while having such a successful season… Apart from winning the Champions League, I think football players will agree that Kvara was the most important player last season,” explained the former Gunner.
And to return to the case of the Real Madrid striker: “Of course, Kylian had an incredible World Cup and I was delighted to see him score so many goals, not only because he is French but also because I love football. And when I see him shine like he started the season, that’s his standard, that’s his level, and he’s one of the very best players. He may be the best, the best player in the world, but the problem is what was his impact for his team last season…”
As a reminder, the list of 30 players nominated for this 2026 Ballon d’Or will be revealed on Tuesday September 8, 2026, before the ceremony planned in London on October 26.
