Kylian Mbappe has suggested his World Cup record should place him among the favourites for the Ballon d'Or, citing both his performances and his club as key factors.
Mbappe's record-breaking season
The France and Real Madrid forward scored 42 goals in all competitions for the Spanish giants last season and has already added four more this term. At this summer's World Cup, he netted ten times to break Miroslav Klose's record as the tournament's all-time top scorer.
Mbappe believes that achievement, alongside representing his current employers, should stand him in good stead with voters. He said: "I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award."
Confidence and competition
He added: "There are many people that speak about me and the Ballon d'Or. Of course I've made history in the most important competition. Maybe it's a good year for this but people can vote according to what they think."
"I always think I'm the best [player in the world] but everyone has their own opinion. Maybe people think different ways. I don't think it's a discussion we need to have. Of course this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d'Or. But journalists vote."
Mbappe faces serious competition from England's Harry Kane, who enjoyed another strong season with Bayern Munich and a notable World Cup. Asked about his own ambitions for the award, Kane said: "I'm extremely proud of the season I put out for sure. I think it just fills me with pride because I know not long ago that I was that fan wanting to become a professional footballer."
Kane's perspective
"I'm here now, and I'm winning awards like the Golden Shoe. And the Ballon d'Or is the same. Of course, now it's out of my hands in terms of it's down to the voters and the people who decide it. The season I had was my best season by far, and we have to wait and see this."
"It's a weird one because I'm already focused on this season now and the next season and thinking how can I be better, how can I improve. But also I want to appreciate what I did. Time will tell."
Kane reflected on the nature of football debate: "I think the thing with football and opinions - there's so many opinions, so many arguments for different players and people love this player because of that. 'He's fast, he's got a great IQ, he finishes great.'"
"I think that's what makes football special is all those debates and the Ballon d'Or is definitely one of them. So I'm happy that I'm in contention, so we have to wait and see."
