Mbappé: No one has had a better season than me, and this does not affect me

Kylian Mbappé, star of Real Madrid, has expressed his strong confidence in his ability to win the Ballon d'Or this year, considering that what he achieved during the last season gives him a genuine right to claim the prestigious individual award.

Kylian Mbappé stated in an interview with the French newspaper L'Équipe: "I have the idea that I can win it this year. It's among my goals, and it's a short-term goal, as there isn't much time left. Who will you vote for in the Ballon d'Or? Myself (laughs), it wouldn't be a theft if I won it."

When asked if he has enough arguments to win the Ballon d'Or, he replied: "Of course. People say I haven't won any collective titles, but this is an individual award. I've never seen a Ballon d'Or winner chosen unanimously. Has any player won 100% of the votes? That means there is always someone who thinks you don't deserve it."

He added: "To be the all-time top scorer in the FIFA World Cup with 22 goals, and to surpass all the legends of the most important tournament created by this sport, is something that draws a lot of attention."

Mbappé continued to defend his right to the award, saying: "I have always believed that the Ballon d'Or should reward a different player. Of course, there is the collective aspect, which is important, because football is a team sport, but in the end, it is an individual award."

He continued: "My idea about the Ballon d'Or is that it is the era of Messi and Ronaldo. It is not awarded to ordinary players, but to different players. And I believe that I have presented different things this year. Therefore, I see that I can win it."

Speaking about his assessment of the competition for the Ballon d'Or, the Real Madrid star said: "Objectively, I can understand those who vote differently. There is no dictatorship in thinking. But when you analyze the arguments and the competition, it would not be unfair for me to win. No player has had a better season than the one I have had."

Mbappé said: "Boos? These things happen. Do you know how many players have been booed in Madrid? They are all still alive, right? When you sign them, you know what you're getting into, it hasn't affected me much. And then, I understand that the fans express their dissatisfaction."

The French star also spoke about the criticism he faces for not contributing significantly defensively compared to his offensive output, saying: "This is unnatural, but it's part of the life of someone at the top. Everyone has known for years what I can do, so people no longer look at what I do, but rather at what I don't do."

He concluded: "This is a human matter. I do not take it personally. I know the world of football well, and there are not many surprises left for me. These things happen when you are among the elite of world football."