Kylian Mbappe: "Good year for me to win 'Ballon d'Or"

The Real Madrid forward scored 10 goals as France reached the semi-finals, taking his career World Cup tally to a record 22. He also scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid last season, despite the club ending the campaign without a major trophy.

"When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you're associated with these awards," Mbappe said. "I made a lot of history in the most important competition (World Cup). This might be a good year to win the Ballon d'Or."

Mbappe, who has previously finished as high as third in the voting, added that he considers himself the best player in the world and believes his individual record puts him firmly in contention.

"I always think I'm the best," he said. "Everyone has their own opinion. This year might be a good one to win the Ballon d'Or, but it's voted on by journalists, and they'll choose."

The 27-year-old has won eight consecutive domestic Golden Boots, two World Cup Golden Boots and two Champions League scoring titles, while he has scored 90 goals in 107 games for Real Madrid.

His lack of major club silverware is the main weakness in his case. Mbappe has gone two seasons without a major trophy in Madrid, while former club Paris Saint-Germain have won consecutive Champions League titles since his departure.

"I can't change it," he said. "The truth is that I really don't care."

Mbappe's immediate focus is now the Champions League, with Real Madrid hosting Inter Milan after Friday's 1-0 defeat by Real Betis.

He also defended his and Vinicius Junior's defensive work while accepting there was room for improvement, and praised new coach Jose Mourinho for his winning mentality.

For Mbappe, however, the message is clear: after his record-breaking World Cup and prolific goalscoring, he believes this is the year he should finally claim the Ballon d'Or.