The 27-year-old forward scored 25 goals in La Liga and added 15 in the Champions League before making more history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mbappe scored his 22nd World Cup goal to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer, although France's campaign ended in a 2-0 semi-final defeat by Spain.

Speaking to France Football, Mbappe said he believed his performances made him a genuine contender for the biggest individual prize in football.

"I believe I can win it this year. It's one of my goals, and a short-term one at that," Mbappe said.

"People say I didn't win a trophy for club or country, but it's an individual award. I've never seen a Ballon d'Or winner elected unanimously."

Mbappe argued that individual performances should carry significant weight, particularly after his goalscoring record at the World Cup.

"My idea of the Ballon d'Or comes from the Messi and Ronaldo era - you don't give it to ordinary players, you give it to players who are different," he said.

"I think I did things that were different this year, so I believe I can win it."

Asked directly whether he believed he deserved to be named the world's best player, Mbappe was even more emphatic.

"There was no player better than me," he said.

"We were talking about achievements. To score that many goals in the major competitions, where all the great players are, and of course at the World Cup, the biggest event, to become the competition's all-time leading scorer…"

Mbappe also highlighted the significance of breaking Lionel Messi's World Cup scoring record.

"It's fantastic. That kind of achievement is different," he said.

While his individual campaign was outstanding, Mbappe ended the season without a major trophy with Real Madrid and saw France beaten in the World Cup semi-finals.

He also welcomed the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as France's new head coach following Didier Deschamps' departure.

"For French people, he means a great deal - he's a legend, he's the nation's 'Zizou', he represents elegance, greatness," Mbappe said.

"He's perhaps the player who most embodies the France team. He's one of those players who transcended generations."

The 2026 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on Monday, 26 October, in London, England, at the London Palladium Theatre.

Nkosinathi Sibisi praises Kabelo Kgositsile ahead of MTN8 clash with Durban City