Ballon d’Or 2026: Frank Leboeuf doubts Mbappé and Haaland’s chances.

The former French international, Frank Leboeuf, believes that the 2026 Ballon d’Or does not always reward the best player and warns that, without major team success, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland could once again miss out on the trophy.

The French legend Frank Leboeuf has said that Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland could see the Ballon d’Or slip away from them this year, reminding that the prestigious award does not systematically reward the best player. A former Chelsea defender, Leboeuf nevertheless considers Mbappé fully capable of claiming the individual trophy, given his high-level club and international performances. But, in his view, the Ballon d’Or follows a logic that goes beyond mere individual excellence.

« I don’t like the Ballon d’Or, because to me, it means nothing. It’s not the best player », he told Goal. « The Ballon d’Or is supposed to reward the best player in the world. I really hope Mbappé wins it, because he’s an incredible player. » The former French international notes, however, that the notion of collective success weighs heavily in the balance. « Today, the players who truly matter are those who win. It’s going to be difficult for Kylian Mbappé and for Erling Haaland.»

And to conclude, without beating around the bush: « They really have to give it their all, because next season or the following one, it will be over. » For reference, Mbappé finished seventh in the Ballon d’Or 2025, one place lower than in 2024. His best ranking remains third place in 2023, behind Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.