Sagna Tips Mbappe For 2026 Ballon d’Or Glory As Leboeuf Questions Award Criteria

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has backed Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe to claim the Ballon d’Or this year, insisting the Frenchman’s current form puts him ahead of every other contender.

Sagna praised Mbappe’s individual displays this season and believes only a disastrous FIFA World Cup could derail his chances.

Speaking to Goal, the former France international said the 25-year-old is perfectly placed to land the sport’s most prestigious individual award.

“He will win it. I believe this is the right time for him to win it this year. I believe the World Cup will be a great event with the French national team participating,” Sagna said.

“I believe he will do well in the Champions League with Real Madrid. On a personal level, he is already in a good position because he is doing well and is in first place.

“Unless he has a really bad World Cup, which I don’t think will happen, I believe he will win the Ballon d’Or this year.”

Mbappe has enjoyed a prolific campaign, scoring 38 goals for club and country so far. He has also netted 11 times in the UEFA Champions League this season and is just one goal short of breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals scored in the group stage.

While Sagna is convinced Mbappe’s moment has arrived, France legend Frank Leboeuf has offered a more cautious view, questioning whether the Ballon d’Or truly rewards the best player in the world.

The former Chelsea defender acknowledged Mbappe’s outstanding performances but suggested the award often favours players from title-winning teams rather than the standout individual.

“I don’t like the Ballon d’Or, because for me it doesn’t mean anything. It’s not the best player,” he said.

“The Ballon d’Or is supposedly for the best player in the world. I really want Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or because he is an incredible player.

“But, nowadays, the main players are those that are winning. It’s going to be hard for Kylian Mbappe and for Erling Haaland.

“They have to really go for it because next season or the season after, it is going to be done.”

Mbappe finished seventh in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, one place below his position in 2024. His best result remains the 2023 edition, where he placed third behind Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.