Bacary Sagna Ranks Kylian Mbappe Among Top Three but Picks Kvaratskhelia for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Former France international Bacary Sagna told GOAL that Kylian Mbappe is currently just one of the top three players worldwide. Despite the Real Madrid and France star's outstanding performances, Sagna does not expect him to win the Ballon d’Or in 2026.
Sagna also dismissed Harry Kane, who has been considered a strong contender after scoring 61 goals last season for Bayern Munich, when naming his favorite for the 2026 Golden Ball.
2026 Ballon d’Or Contenders
The award often goes to a player who wins a major global title during World Cup years. Spain’s victory in North America puts their stars in the spotlight. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, along with his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, are seen as prime candidates.
Although Kane had an impressive goal tally, his failure to secure the Champions League title—won by Paris Saint-Germain for the second consecutive year—may cost him. This also opens the door for PSG’s Ousmane Dembele or other talented players from the club to vie for the award.
Sagna's Take on the Best Player
“For me the best at the minute, he's in the top three. He had an amazing year and he is for me 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.
He continued praising another player: “For me, Kvara deserves the Ballon d’Or. Kvaratskhelia has been phenomenal, especially as a winger with such impact and a successful campaign. Apart from winning the Champions League, I think football players will agree that Kvara was the most important player last season.”
Regarding Mbappe’s World Cup performance and early season form, Sagna remarked: “Of course Kylian had an amazing World Cup and I was pleased to see him scoring so many goals. That’s his standard, that’s his level and he is in the top few players. He might be the top, the best player in the world, but the problem is how impactful were you for your team last season?”
Will Mbappe Ever Win the Ballon d’Or?
Real Madrid has gone two seasons without a major trophy despite Mbappe winning two La Liga Golden Boots and scoring 90 goals in 106 games. Former France player Louis Saha recently shared his thoughts:
“It’s difficult because he wants to win those trophies. Winning the Champions League increases your chance to win the Ballon d’Or. He knows that’s the way to put all qualities in front of the best eyes to be judged.”
Saha added that the pressure mounts as Mbappe moved from a club that won the Champions League to one expected to contend but falling short, leading to questions about his personal and spiritual outlook.
“He seems like a black cat in a way, which is a bad line he wants to fix quickly. It’s always nice to see someone succeed when they have the potential. I think he deserves it. Regardless of criticism, he wants everything.”
Saha also noted that great players attract criticism when things don't go their way: “If Cristiano hadn’t converted trophies, he would have been doomed a long time ago.”
Mbappe Chasing Records and Trophies
At the 2026 World Cup, Mbappe became the tournament's all-time leading scorer, also holding that record with France and Ligue 1’s PSG. This season, he already scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad for Real Madrid. With Jose Mourinho aiming to bring trophies back, Mbappe’s high standards put him in the running for Ballon d’Or recognition once again.
- Top Scorers at 2026 World Cup: Kylian Mbappe (all-time leading scorer)
- La Liga Goals: Mbappe – 90 goals in 106 appearances
- 2025-26 Season Highlight: Hat-trick vs Real Sociedad
- Champions League Winners 2026: Paris Saint-Germain
- Ballon d’Or 2024 Winner: Rodri
