Mbappé Admits Ballon d’Or Disappointment Would Be Inevitable

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has admitted he would be disappointed if he failed to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, despite facing strong competition from some of the world’s leading players.

The France captain is among the 30 nominees for the prestigious individual award and is considered one of the leading contenders following an impressive campaign.

However, Mbappé faces competition from the likes of Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Harry Kane and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“I can really feel it’s a good year for me,” Mbappé told RFI.

“I would be disappointed not to win it. When a competitor doesn’t win, he is disappointed.

“I am competitive!”

Mbappé finished as the leading scorer in the Champions League, LaLiga and the World Cup, strengthening his credentials for the award.

The forward’s performances have placed him among the leading candidates, although the final decision will depend on the voting process and the achievements of the other nominees.

Zidane Begins France Reign With Turkey Test, Eyeing Euro 2028

Zinedine Zidane will officially begin his tenure as France manager on Friday when Les Bleus face Turkey in a UEFA Nations League encounter, marking the start of a new era following Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign.

The 54-year-old, widely regarded as one of France’s greatest footballers alongside Michel Platini, has waited several years for the opportunity to manage his country.

Zidane was appointed Deschamps’ successor in July and has since expressed his excitement at taking charge of the national team.

“I have been waiting four or five years for this day. I am filled with emotion, I am really excited. I am happy. This is huge for me,” he said during his unveiling in Paris.

The former France playmaker enjoyed a distinguished international career, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. He made 108 appearances for Les Bleus before retiring from international football after the 2006 World Cup final defeat by Italy.

His playing career also included spells at Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid, where he later enjoyed two successful managerial stints. As Real Madrid coach, Zidane guided the club to three successive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.

Now, he faces the challenge of maintaining France’s status among international football’s leading nations.

Zidane has indicated that he wants his team to play more attacking football while retaining the tactical balance that has characterised France’s recent success.

“You will get to see how I see football. Playing good football is what gets me going,” he said.

“There will always be a balance to the side, but I want to see us play and I think we have the team to do that.”

Zidane has retained key players from the previous regime, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé.

However, Arsenal defender William Saliba and Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni are notable absentees through injury.

The new manager has also introduced several fresh faces, including Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet, Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha and Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul.

Zidane will be assisted by David Bettoni, his former colleague at Real Madrid, while World Cup-winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez joins the coaching staff as goalkeeping coach.

Following the Turkey encounter, France will face Belgium away before hosting Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.

The Nations League fixtures will provide Zidane with an opportunity to assess his squad before the European Championship in 2028, which will be hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland.

His longer-term target will be the 2030 World Cup in Morocco, Portugal and Spain.

Deschamps leaves behind a strong record, having guided France to at least the semi-finals of five of their last six major international tournaments. Zidane will now attempt to build on that foundation while establishing his own footballing identity.