LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Kylian Mbappe reportedly admits that he is “thinking” about winning the Ballon d’Or after he has successfully done his part.
Karim Benzema presently holds the individual trophy, but Mbappe feels that he has performed admirably enough to win it.
The Ligue 1 champion PSG was helped by the France international’s 41 goals and 10 assists in 43 games played last season.
His eight goals, including a hat-trick in the championship match, helped France win the World Cup.
He believes he is the front-runner for the Ballon d’Or despite anticipated competition from Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, a former PSG teammate and triple champion with Manchester City.
Mbappe said to the Ivorian TV channel NCI: “Now, yes, I’m thinking about the Ballon d’Or. Even if I’m not thinking about it, people are thinking about me.
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“Because I’m always one of the names that comes up. It’s the people who vote, and I’ve done my bit. My rivals? When you play at the top level, there are only impressive players.
“To mention one in particular would be to neglect the others. You can name them all yourself. If people think I’ve been impressive? It makes me happy and it gives me the confidence to continue doing what I’m doing.”
Mbappe has told PSG that he will not be signing a new deal, and he has been strongly linked with a major transfer to Real Madrid.
In addition, PSG has warned him that if he doesn’t change his mind, he might have to settle for a bench role this season. PSG is standing their ground and says they won’t let him leave this summer.
As PSG prepares to solicit bids for a prized asset if Mbappe doesn’t sign a new deal by the end of the month, the saga surrounding Mbappe’s future is expected to dominate the summer.