Kylian Mbappé, the star forward for Real Madrid, has hinted that this year could be the one he finally wins the Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award. Speaking ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League match against Inter Milan, Mbappé said that after becoming the top scorer in World Cup history during the 2026 tournament, he feels the timing is right. "When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you are inevitably associated with such individual awards," he said. However, he acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with the journalists who vote for the award. Mbappé is among several top players in contention for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Other notable candidates include Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 winner; Harry Kane of Bayern Munich; Rodri of Spain, who won the World Cup; and Fabian Ruiz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappé's former coach at Paris Saint-Germain, José Mourinho, has publicly supported his chances, while his current manager, Luis Enrique, believes one of his players should win the award. Despite his impressive achievements, Mbappé admitted the recent World Cup semifinal loss to Spain was particularly difficult. "It was a difficult moment," he said. "I have also lost a World Cup final and a Champions League final before. This World Cup was really a beautiful competition, and people appreciated the way we played." Mbappé emphasized that the team's desire to win remains strong, regardless of past successes. Mbappé had a standout season with Real Madrid, scoring 42 goals in 44 games, but the club did not win any major trophies. He also won the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, bringing his World Cup goal total to a record 22. However, Real Madrid has not won a major trophy in the past two years despite his performances. Mbappé, who has scored 256 goals for Paris Saint-Germain and 66 for France, has won eight consecutive league golden boots but has yet to lift the Champions League trophy. He remains focused on helping Real Madrid succeed in the upcoming Champions League campaign.