Chelsea legend Eden Hazard has backed Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
Former Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard has tipped Kylian Mbappe as the inevitable winner of the Ballon d'Or, provided the Frenchman hits specific milestones with both club and country in 2026.
Despite being a consistent nominee, Mbappe has yet to claim football’s most prestigious individual prize.
10:33 - 25.01.2026
Mbappe dedicates Panenka penalty to Brahim Diaz after missing in the AFCON final against Senegal
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has dedicated his Panenka penalty against Villarreal to his teammate Brahim Diaz.
Hazard backs Mbappe to win Ballon d'Or
According to FootMercato, Hazard insisted that while the talent is undeniable, silverware will be the final piece of the puzzle.
“Mbappé and Ballon d’Or? He will win Ballon d’Or,” Hazard stated. “He needs to win the Champions League… La Liga… or go far in the World Cup.
"But he will win a Ballon d’Or at some point, of course.”
Kylian Mbappé has been in scintillating form since arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu, currently enjoying the most prolific spell of his career with 34 goals already across all competitions for Los Blancos this season.
He firmly leads the LaLiga scoring charts, having netted 21 goals in just 21 appearances to maintain his grip on the Pichichi Trophy race.
His European pedigree remains equally formidable; he continues to be a dominant force in the Champions League, notably matching Cristiano Ronaldo's historic record for the most goals scored in the opening stage of the competition following his clinical brace against Monaco
Mbappe will not have it all his own way, as he must compete against the likes of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and in a World Cup year, a new name could spring up.
However, on current form, the France captain will take some stopping.
AFCON 2025