Kylian Mbappé has received a major endorsement in his bid to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with French football legend Thierry Henry publicly backing the Real Madrid striker for the award.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Henry was asked who he believes should win the prize and was clear in his choice, despite Mbappé ending the season without a major team trophy.

“Kylian Mbappé deserves it. He was the best player in the world individually,” Henry said.

The statistics strongly support his argument. Mbappé finished the 2025/26 season as La Liga's top scorer with 25 goals and also led the Champions League scoring charts with 15. He then continued his remarkable form at the 2026 World Cup, scoring 10 goals and claiming the Golden Boot.

The main concern surrounding Mbappé's candidacy is his lack of major silverware. Real Madrid ended the season without winning a major trophy, while France also failed to lift the World Cup. Henry, however, believes that should not automatically rule Mbappé out of the race.

“People might say he finished without any titles, but it's happened before. People need to do their research. The Ballon d'Or has been won without any titles,” the former striker argued.

Mbappé is among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, alongside the likes of Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham.

For Henry, the award should primarily recognise individual excellence, and on that basis, he has no doubts about his choice: Mbappé.

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