Mbappe Claims Golden Boot, Breaks Messi's World Cup Record, Eyes Ballon d'Or

Ten goals in a single World Cup. No player has managed that in more than half a century. With that tally, Kylian Mbappe picked up his second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot and, in the process, sent a clear signal: this could be his year for the Ballon d'Or.

The Frenchman spoke on Monday, a day before Real Madrid opened its Champions League campaign against Inter Milan, and made no attempt to hide his optimism. There's plenty of reason for it, too. On top of that Golden Boot, Mbappe passed Lionel Messi as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, with 22 goals to his name. It's a mark that once seemed untouchable and now belongs to him.

His season with Real Madrid was nothing to sneeze at either: 42 goals in 44 matches. The awkward detail is that the club finished the year without a single major trophy, something that tends to carry weight in these votes. Even so, Mbappe himself believes that shouldn't overshadow what he accomplished individually.

A lot of people talk about me and the Ballon d'Or. Of course I made history in the most important competition there is. Maybe this is a good year for it, but people can vote however they see fit.Kylian Mbappe

An Award That Keeps Slipping Away

Despite his trophy case and his numbers, the Ballon d'Or remains unfinished business for Mbappe. His best finish in the voting was third place in 2023. This year's ceremony is set for October 26 in London, and the reigning winner is Ousmane Dembele, who took home last year's award after helping PSG win the first Champions League title in the club's history.

Mbappe also shared some thoughts on what it means to wear the white shirt when it comes to these votes.

I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people automatically link you to this award. I always think I'm the best, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.Kylian Mbappe

The competition, though, is no joke. There's Harry Kane, who scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich, and there's also Lamine Yamal, who got to enjoy winning the World Cup with Spain and the league title with Barcelona in the same season. That's a tough combination for any candidate to match.

Asked about those direct rivals, Mbappe preferred not to draw comparisons.

I don't like making comparisons because I do a lot of things that others don't. If we get into that it turns into an endless debate, you know?Kylian Mbappe

With Real Madrid now fully into its Champions League campaign, Mbappe has several months ahead to keep building his case. The question that lingers is whether, this time, the scales will finally tip in his favor.