Casablanca – Moroccan football figure Medhi Benatia has questioned Kylian Mbappe’s approach to the 2026 Ballon d’Or debate, while acknowledging that the Real Madrid forward has a strong case for the prestigious individual award.
Mbappe has been increasingly vocal about his chances of winning the prize following a standout year, openly discussing his ambitions in several media appearances.
“I made history this summer in the most prestigious competition, but there is still a long way to go for me,” Mbappe said confidently. “This year can be a good one for me to win the Ballon d’Or,” because “I always consider myself the best player in the world.”
The France international also argued that his position at Real Madrid naturally places him in conversations surrounding the award.
“It’s natural that people associate you with such awards when you play for the best club in the world,” Mbappe said. “Many people in the street speak to me about the Ballon d’Or. Many people talk about me as a possible winner of the Ballon d’Or.”
Mbappe has also stressed that individual recognition should remain distinct from a player’s team achievements.
“I have always believed that the Ballon d’Or should reward a different player,” he said. “Of course there is the collective side, which is important, because football is a team sport. But it is an individual award.”
Yamal enters the debate
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has also made a confident case for himself, putting his name alongside Mbappe among the leading candidates.
“Who would I give the Ballon d’Or to?” Yamal said. “I honestly believe there are perhaps only two players who are the best in the world, but I deserve it this year.”
The 19-year-old went further when discussing the players he believes stand above the rest.
“For me, Kylian Mbappe and I are the best two players, and anyone who watches the matches knows that.”
Yamal’s comments came after a season in which he helped Barcelona secure major silverware, further strengthening his position in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Benatia prefers Yamal’s approach
Benatia, now a football consultant after previously serving as Marseille’s sporting director, said he remains a major admirer of Mbappe but was uncomfortable with the Frenchman’s public comments about his own candidacy.
“I like Kylian a lot, and he knows it,” Benatia said on Canal Football Club. “I did not like his interview. I like when he talks about football; he has a football intelligence, and you can feel that he lives for football, and I love that. But the statement…”
The former Morocco international said he preferred the way Yamal presented his case, describing the Barcelona star’s approach as more refined despite his age.
“I preferred Yamal’s statement, for example, who, despite his young age, is much more classy,” Benatia explained.
Benatia also pointed to other contenders, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele, while spotlighting Dembele’s influence in major matches.
“If Kylian wins the Ballon d’Or, I will not fall off my chair,” Benatia said. “He finished as the Champions League’s top scorer and is the top scorer in World Cup history, but his statements, for me, are unnecessary.”
Ballon d’Or race takes shape
The comments add another layer to an increasingly competitive Ballon d’Or race involving Mbappe, Yamal, Dembele, and Kvaratskhelia.
France Football and UEFA have already announced the 30-player shortlist, with the winner set to be revealed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26.
With several leading contenders making their own case for the prize, the debate over who deserves to succeed the previous winner is likely to intensify ahead of the ceremony.
