Mbappe ‘optimistic’ over Ballon d’Or win despite Messi and Haaland seasons
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe believes he can beat both Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland to the Ballon d’Or.
The 24-year-old capped off his fine campaign with a foal from the penalty spot in France’s 1-1 draw with Greece in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
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It took his tally to 54 goals in for club and country this season, overtaking the French record set by legend Just Fontaine.
A first Ballon d’Or is in his sights, but faces strong competition from elsewhere.
Lionel Messi looks set to scoop an eighth award after winning the World Cup with Argentina in December.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland is also a huge contender after scoring 56 goals in their treble winning campaign.
Mbappe, though, has scored 13 goals for France, including a hat-trick in the World Cup final.
He has also netted 41 times for PSG, as the Parisian giants secured yet another Ligue 1 crown.
“It’s difficult to talk about an individual trophy because you have to put yourself forward and it’s not well seen by the general public,” Mbappe said.
“What are the new criteria? Is it to shine and make an impact? I think I fit the criteria. We’ll see. It’s the people who vote but I’m still optimistic.”
The rule of the competition have been altered, with performances judged over a season, not a calendar year.
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There is also more emphasis on individual displays, rather than trophies won by an individual or team.
The Ballon d’Or nominees will be announced on September 6, with the successor to Karim Benzema announced on October 30.