‘Shameful, he won nothing’ – French journalist blasts Mbappé’s 2026 Ballon d’Or award prospect

French journalist Bertrand Latour has criticised the possibility of Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that the forward did not win any trophies during the year.

Latour described a potential victory for the France captain as shameful, questioning whether Mbappé deserved the prestigious individual award without major team honours.

The journalist made the comments while speaking on Canal Football Club, broadcast on Canal+, on Sunday, ahead of Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Latour expressed his frustration with the prospect of Mbappé receiving the award despite his lack of trophies during the year.

“You are all just waiting for one thing, for him [Kylian Mbappé] to win the Ballon d’Or in a year when he hasn’t won anything,” Latour said on the programme.

He added: “I am telling you, that would be a shameful Ballon d’Or.”

Mbappé remains one of the leading contenders for the 2026 award, with his individual performances keeping him in the conversation despite the criticism surrounding his trophy record.

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The Real Madrid forward faces competition from Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal as the football world awaits the announcement of the winner.