Russian football legend Alexander Mostovoy expressed his opinion about the chances of Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe to receive the Golden Ball at the end of the 2025/26 season. According to the former USSR and Russian national team player, the French striker is now in such good shape that his contribution cannot be underestimated.

"To say that Mbappe is not the best is nonsense"

Mostovoy noted that there is always a lot of talk around Mbappe, but the facts speak for themselves.




"World football is at the highest level right now, and the competition is incredible. But there are still people who try to belittle Mbappe's achievements. Last year, I heard such crazy stories that he allegedly did not meet expectations. I've always said: "What are you guys talking about?" How can you doubt a man who has already rewritten the history of football at the age of 25?" said Mostovoy.

Since moving from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe has not only maintained his level, but also reached a new peak in his career. According to Mostovoy, the striker managed to break Cristiano Ronaldo's record for goals in a certain period of time with the Cream, which became a real event for the fans.

By the age of 26, the Frenchman had won almost all the key trophies at club and international level, from national championships and the Champions League to the World Cup title. At the same time, his performance remains at an incredible height: Mbappe consistently ranks among the best scorers in Europe and continues to hit the gates of the leading teams.

According to Mostovoy, Mbappe has every reason to fight for the main individual trophy of world football this season.

"If Kylian avoids serious injuries, he will become the main contender for the Golden Ball. His performance at Real Madrid is a separate performance. His speed, dribbling, and composure at crucial moments make him unique. He has already scored so many goals that others would never dream of, and this is just the beginning," the expert believes.

At the same time, Mostovoy recalled that the fight for the Golden Ball always consists not only of personal statistics, but also of the success of the team. Among Mbappe's competitors this season, he named the players of Manchester City and Barcelona, which also have players who show an outstanding level. Nevertheless, the French striker remains the main favorite, given his status as a superstar and his influence on the results of the Madrid club.

Football experts point out that Mbappe is gradually becoming the face of a new generation of players, replacing Messi and Ronaldo in this position. His career is developing rapidly: his debut at the adult level in Monaco, his rise to PSG, his victory at the World Cup at the age of 19, and now the status of the main star of Real Madrid. All this makes him not just a candidate for the Golden Ball, but a true symbol of modern football.