Mbappé says losing the Ballon d'Or would be a disappointment: "Nobody was better than me last season"

Kylian Mbappé is entering the Ballon d'Or battle with the certainty of a player who feels he has produced a remarkable campaign, and he makes no secret of how much a defeat would sting. In an interview with RFI, the Real Madrid forward explained that losing the award would be a disappointment for any competitor, while making clear that it has not turned into an obsession. The Frenchman also stood by his direct style, including the remark in which he claimed nobody was above him last season.

• Mbappé admits missing out on the Ballon d'Or would be a disappointment, but denies it is an obsession.
• The forward stands by his claim that nobody was better than him last season.
• He highlights Deschamps' legacy and says he is looking forward to his first conversation with Zidane.
• He praises Mourinho and reveals he always wanted to work under him.
• He embraces his African roots and says a Ballon d'Or win would also be dedicated to that continent.

Mbappé's Ballon d'Or race

The French striker sees his individual campaign as a strong argument in the fight for the trophy. Although he admits the race is wide open, he enjoys the competitive environment and believes these battles also entertain the fans. His message blends ambition and authenticity: he wants to win, but he insists he will not change who he is to please anyone.

I have always been the chosen one, nobody was better than me last season.

Asked whether he actually said those words, Mbappé answered with a blunt and simple yes. The Frenchman does not regret speaking honestly and explains that he has never tried to be liked by everyone because that is simply impossible. His approach is to show himself as he is, with his strengths and weaknesses, his victories and his failures.

France, Zidane and the World Cup memories

Mbappé also used part of the conversation to talk about the French national team and the new era beginning with Zinédine Zidane on the bench. Before focusing on that new chapter, he wanted to acknowledge the work of Didier Deschamps, whom he regards as a historic figure who restored France to its rightful place in international football. Looking back at the World Cup, he highlighted the image the team projected and said becoming the all-time leading scorer in the tournament's history made him understand its magnitude even more.

The pending first conversation with Zidane

The forward has not yet had his first working meeting with Zidane, but he already knows the new era will start from scratch. His plan is to hear directly what the coach expects from the group and from his own role within the team. For Mbappé, there is nothing better than sitting down to talk about the demands and goals of the new project.

Mbappé's admiration for José Mourinho

At Real Madrid, Mbappé crosses paths with another figure who sparks his curiosity: José Mourinho. The Frenchman admits he had always wanted to get to know the Portuguese coach up close and does not hold back when praising his intelligence and leadership. Without hesitation, he places him among the best managers of the modern era of football and values the opportunity to work alongside him.

Mbappé's bond with Africa and the future of African football

Mbappé's Algerian and Cameroonian roots are an essential part of his identity. The player insists he has never severed that connection with his origins and says the affection he receives whenever he visits the continent is deeply rewarding. That continental support is also reflected in his wish to see African football compete on equal terms with the world's top national teams.

That connection extends to his Ballon d'Or ambitions. Mbappé appreciates the backing he receives from Africa and admits that sharing a potential triumph with an entire continent would carry special meaning. If he finally lifts the trophy, he makes clear he will not feel it as a purely personal achievement: one way or another, he would also dedicate it to those who have stood by him from the start.

Frequently asked questions about Mbappé and the Ballon d'Or