Kylian Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or Journey: Consistent Excellence Amidst Strong Competition
Kylian Mbappé has established himself as one of the world’s elite footballers, consistently ranking among the top 10 in the Ballon d’Or for eight consecutive years. This remarkable achievement is particularly noteworthy for an active player who has yet to claim the prestigious award. Despite his individual accolades, the French captain has often watched other players take home football’s most coveted individual honor.
This analysis draws on data from the FIFA website and L’Equipe to provide insights into Mbappé’s performance in every Ballon d’Or since his inaugural nomination.
2017: A Promising Debut in Seventh Place
At just 18 years of age, Mbappé played a pivotal role in AS Monaco’s Ligue 1 title win and their advance to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, finishing seventh in the Ballon d’Or standings with 48 points. However, the award went to Cristiano Ronaldo, who secured his fifth title after leading Real Madrid to triumphs in both La Liga and the Champions League, along with victories in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Mbappé: 7th place (48 points)
Winner: Cristiano Ronaldo
2018: World Cup Glory and Fourth Place Finish
In 2018, Mbappé enjoyed a breakout season, helping France win the FIFA World Cup and emerging as one of the tournament’s standout stars. Despite this remarkable accomplishment, he finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or rankings with 347 points, as Luka Modric, who led Real Madrid to another Champions League title and propelled Croatia to the World Cup final, took home the award, effectively ending the Messi-Ronaldo era.
Mbappé: 4th place (347 points)
Winner: Luka Modric
2019: Climbing to Sixth Place as Messi Dominates
Following a successful year with Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé rose to sixth place in the 2019 Ballon d’Or standings, accumulating 89 points. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, secured his sixth title, solidifying his dominance after guiding Barcelona to another La Liga championship.
Mbappé: 6th place (89 points)
Winner: Lionel Messi
2021: A Disappointing Ninth Place Finish
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the Ballon d’Or in 2020. When it returned in 2021, Mbappé faced a setback, finishing ninth with 58 points. Meanwhile, Messi captured his record seventh award after leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America, marking the nation’s first trophy in 26 years.
Mbappé: 9th place (58 points)
Winner: Lionel Messi
2022: Another Strong Season Sees Sixth Place
Mbappé again demonstrated his talent during the 2022 season, returning to sixth place with 85 points. Despite his strong performance, Karim Benzema emerged as the clear winner, leading Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League titles.
Mbappé: 6th place (85 points)
Winner: Karim Benzema
2023: His Best Result Yet
Mbappé achieved a personal milestone in 2023, finishing third with 270 points, following his Golden Boot recognition at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite his stellar performance, Lionel Messi again captured the award after steering Argentina to World Cup victory for the third time.
Mbappé: 3rd place (270 points)
Winner: Lionel Messi
Striving for Glory in 2024 and Beyond
In 2024, after transferring to Real Madrid, Mbappé fell to sixth place with 420 points, even as he displayed a commendable performance. The award ultimately went to Rodri of Manchester City, who helped his team secure the Premier League, Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup titles.
Continuing his streak, Mbappé finished seventh in 2025 with 378 points, making it eight consecutive years in the top 10. However, Ousmane Dembélé’s success with Paris Saint-Germain won him the Ballon d’Or that year.
Mbappé now holds the record for the longest consecutive streak of top-10 finishes for a player who has never won the Ballon d’Or. As Real Madrid navigates a trophy-less season heading into 2026, the upcoming FIFA World Cup could present his best chance to finally secure this illustrious accolade.
Anticipating Challenges Ahead
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Mbappé is poised to reinforce his Ballon d’Or candidacy. He currently shines as a standout performer, having scored eight goals in the tournament and leveling with Messi for the Golden Boot. With France advancing toward the semifinals against Spain, the stakes are high. Victory would not only bring France closer to a world title but also position Mbappé favorably in the hunt for the Ballon d’Or. Yet, he faces formidable competition, including Dembélé, who is already a favorite following his impressive performances with PSG.
With the semi-final match-up in Dallas, the French national team is aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, fueled by the desire for redemption. Mbappé’s individual prowess, combined with team success, could finally convert his years of consistent excellence into the recognition he has sought.
