Kylian Mbappe times his Ballon d’or credentials to perfection after masterful performance against Inter Milan

No sooner did the list of nominees for the Ballon d’or was revealed than Kylian Mbappe gave a huge statement in his quest to win the accolade with an all-round performance against Inter Milan in Real Madrid’s opening game of this Champions League season at the Bernabeu after it was confirmed that he is among the 30-man shortlist of nominees for the award.

It has been a record-breaking year for Mbappe on an individual level. After a 10-goal 2026 FIFA World Cup, he not only won the Golden Boot, but also is now the outright highest-ever goalgetter in World Cup history, overtaking Lionel Messi, who has now retired from International Football. He was the leading goalscorer in last season’s Champions League, and also the leading scorer in the La Liga.

Altogether, Mbappe scored 42 times in 44 appearances last season for Los Blancos, along with his double-digit haul at the World Cup. While he did come up empty-handed in the sense that he finished trophyless last season while finishing 4th with France in the World Cup, those numbers are hard to ignore given the context put behind them.

He also started this season the same way as last, helping himself to 4 goals in his first 3 games, but was brought to a screeching halt in their defeat against Real Betis. Mbappe himself missed a stoppage-time penalty to salvage a point for his side. 

However, he dusted himself off quickly and continues to do what he does best- lead by example and show his worth by means of performances and goals. 

Against Inter, he got on the scoresheet as early as the 14th minute after ruthlessly capitalising on a Yann Bisseck error to give his side the lead. He could have easily had a brace by half-time, but his sumptuous 50-yard run and dribble that sat down two Inter defenders was well-saved by Inter keeper Josep Martinez.

Apart from the goals, Mbappe also had a good all-round performance, which was very instrumental in keeping Inter at arm’s length despite them getting a late goal to keep things testy and uncomfortable towards the end. 

Even apart from his performances, Mbappe was very vocal about advocating himself for the Ballon d’or. In the pre-game conference on Monday, he did not play down his chances of winning the prize. He also reminded the journalists present that he is currently the record-holder for the most World Cup goals, and that definitely counts for something while also holding his own about his lack of pressing intensity and defensive duties in what was a gentle push back from him.

With the nominations comparatively strong this time around, Mbappe has placed himself right in the mix with not only his vocal stance on the matter, but also with his performances on the field, which is the ultimate currency. And with his impactful and match-sealing performance against Inter, he has timed his Ballon D’or credentials to perfection.