Former England striker Michael Owen told Get French Football News that Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is a strong candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but the Frenchman’s lack of major trophies this season could work against him.
Owen highlighted Mbappé’s achievements, noting that the player topped the scoring charts in La Liga and performed well for France at the World Cup, saying, “I absolutely think he has a big chance to win it. When you top the scoring charts in La Liga and also in a World Cup, you have to be seriously considered for this award.” He added that “not winning a major title in a World Cup year, plus neither La Liga nor the Champions League, may count against him,” though he still regarded Mbappé as a “formidable contender for this prestigious award.”
Reflecting on his own Ballon d’Or win in 2001, Owen said he did not actively solicit votes and argued that today’s social‑media‑driven environment has fundamentally altered how the award is contested.
The current shortlist, according to the interview, includes Mbappé, Barcelona’s emerging talent Lamine Yamal, and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, all of whom are being mentioned as leading candidates for the France Football accolade.
The Ballon d’Or, presented annually by the French magazine France Football, recognises the world’s best male footballer based on performances for club and country over the calendar year.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
