‘Never talk about the Ballon d’Or’ - ‘Selfish’ Kylian Mbappe compared with in-form Barcelona star Raphinha as Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ argues his Golden Ball case

Kylian Mbappe has been told he should “never talk about the Ballon d’Or”, with fellow World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ is coming across as selfish when compared to in-form Barcelona star Raphinha. Mbappe has been talking up his claims to the most prestigious of Golden Balls, but is expected to miss out again in 2026.

The France international frontman has enjoyed another memorable year. He plundered 42 goals for Real last season, winning him a second top scorer gong in La Liga, and rewrote the record books when representing his country at the 2026 World Cup.

Mbappe is now his nation’s all-time leading marksman , with 66 efforts to his name, and nobody has found the target on more occasions at FIFA’s flagship event - with a stunning overall tally at that tournament being taken to 22 and counting.