Ballon d’Or: Mbappé tops online poll but his media campaign backfires
Quick Look
- According to an Odoxa poll, Kylian Mbappé remains the French favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or with 23% of the votes.
- However, a majority of football fans believe that his recent speeches have harmed his candidacy.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The 2026 Ballon d'or is at the center of sporting debates in France, with Kylian Mbappé leading the polls despite criticism of his personal communication.
Would Kylian Mbappé have done better to let his performances speak for themselves? According to an Odoxa survey carried out on October 20 and 21, the Real Madrid striker remains the player most cited by the French to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or (23%). A preference which even rises to 24% among football fans.
His Mondial weighs heavily in the balance
It must be said that the captain of the Blues has arguments. And not least. World Cup semi-finalist, top scorer and second best passer in the competition, Mbappé left his mark. Enough to convince? Among the French, in any case, he holds the rope. But behind it, competition is getting organized.
Ousmane Dembélé, winner of the Champions League with PSG, won 18% of the vote, ahead of Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise (11% each). Among football fans, the hierarchy is changing. Olise (16%) and Yamal (15%) are ahead of Dembélé (12%). As for Harry Kane, although announced among the favorites, he only receives 5% of the French's choices and 7% among enthusiasts. A very timid support to say the least.
Fed up with your communication?
In September, the Madrilenian spoke more frequently to defend his candidacy. A “seduction” operation which clearly did not produce the expected effect in public opinion.
According to the same survey, 62% of football fans believe that this campaign has rather reduced their chances with voters. Conversely, only 37% think it has strengthened them.
Open Questions
- Who will officially win the 2026 Ballon d'or?
