Bacary Sagna Places Kylian Mbappe Among Top Three Players, Picks Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Former France defender Bacary Sagna told GOAL that Kylian Mbappe ranks among the top three players globally today. Despite his talent and achievements, Sagna doesn't expect the Real Madrid star to claim the Ballon d’Or in 2026.

While Mbappe has dazzled fans with his scoring prowess, including becoming the all-time leading scorer at the 2026 World Cup, Sagna favors another player for football's highest individual honor.

Ballon d’Or Contenders for 2026

The award often goes to a player who lifts a major international trophy during a World Cup year. Spain’s recent triumph in North America has put their stars in the spotlight. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, along with his new Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, are both aiming for the accolade.

Harry Kane impressed last season by scoring 61 goals for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but missing out on Champions League glory may hurt his chances.

Paris Saint-Germain won back-to-back Champions League titles recently, meaning players like Ousmane Dembele or others from Parc des Princes could also be serious contenders.

Sagna’s Take: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Deserves the Award

“For me, the best at the minute is in the top three. He had an amazing year and is one of the best. But being a striker gives more chances to score, so more chances for the people to look at him favourably,” said Sagna about Mbappe. “For me, Kvara deserves the Ballon d’Or. He’s been phenomenal as a winger with a hugely successful campaign. Apart from winning the Champions League, I think players will agree that Kvara was the most important player last season.”

Sagna admires Mbappe’s World Cup performance and early season form but questions his overall impact for Real Madrid in the previous campaign.

Will Mbappe Ever Win the Ballon d’Or?

Real Madrid haven’t claimed a major trophy in two seasons despite Mbappe’s impressive haul of two La Liga Golden Boots and 90 goals in 106 appearances. Another ex-France international, Louis Saha, weighed in on whether Mbappe will eventually lift the Ballon d’Or.

“He wants to win those trophies. Winning the Champions League gives a better chance to win the Ballon d’Or. He knows that’s how to showcase his qualities to the right eyes,” said Saha. “There’s pressure because he left a club that won it and joined one expected to be a favourite but didn’t reach the finals. It raises questions personally and spiritually.”

Saha believes Mbappe deserves the award despite criticism and compares the challenges faced by other greats like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mbappe’s Records and Expectations

Mbappe set records as the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup, for France, and at PSG. This season, he already netted a hat-trick against Real Sociedad, maintaining the high standards expected under manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach aims to return Real Madrid to trophy-winning ways and push Mbappe into serious Ballon d’Or contention once again.

Summary of Key Players and Their Achievements for 2026 Ballon d’Or:

• Kylian Mbappe: Top three player globally; 2026 World Cup all-time leading scorer; 90 goals in 106 Real Madrid matches; two La Liga Golden Boots.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Winger with major impact; Champions League winner; regarded by Sagna as most important player last season.
• Harry Kane: 61 goals last season for Bayern Munich; lacks Champions League success in 2026.
• Rodri: 2024 Ballon d’Or winner; part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad; playing for Barcelona.
• Lamine Yamal: Rising star at Barcelona; eyeing Ballon d’Or recognition.
• Ousmane Dembele: Part of PSG’s back-to-back Champions League wins; potential Golden Ball contender.