Bacary Sagna Rates Mbappe as Top Three, Picks Kvaratskhelia for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Former France international Bacary Sagna told GOAL that Kylian Mbappe is currently among the world’s top three players but not the outright best. Despite Mbappe’s remarkable performances for Real Madrid and France, Sagna believes he will miss out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.

Sagna also dismissed Harry Kane as a contender for the prize, even though the Bayern Munich striker scored 61 goals last season. Instead, Sagna put his faith in another player for the 2026 Golden Ball.

2026 Ballon d’Or Contenders: Kane, Rodri, Yamal

The Ballon d’Or often goes to a player who lifts a global trophy during a World Cup year. Spain’s recent triumph at the 2026 World Cup puts their stars in strong contention. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, and his new Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal are among those aiming for the award.

Despite Kane’s impressive Bundesliga tally, his failure to win the Champions League in 2026 hurts his chances. Paris Saint-Germain, who secured back-to-back Champions League titles, have players like Ousmane Dembele or possibly others stepping into the Ballon d’Or spotlight.

Sagna’s Favorite: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

“For me the best at the minute, he’s in the top three. He had an amazing year and he is one of the best. But being a striker gives more chances to score, so more chances for people to look at him favourably,” said Sagna.“For me, Kvara deserves the Ballon d’Or. He’s been phenomenal as a winger with a huge impact and a successful campaign. Apart from winning the Champions League, I think football players will agree that Kvara was the most important player last season.”“Kylian had an amazing World Cup and I was pleased to see him scoring so many goals, not only because he’s French but because I love football. When I see him starting the season the way he is, that’s his standard, that’s his level. He’s in the top few players. He might be the best player in the world, but the question is how impactful were you for your team last season?”

Will Mbappe Ever Claim the Ballon d’Or?

Real Madrid have gone two seasons without a major trophy, despite Mbappe’s individual brilliance, which includes two La Liga Golden Boots and 90 goals in 106 appearances. His struggles to help the team reach finals have raised questions about his Ballon d’Or prospects.

Louis Saha, another former France player, shared his views with GOAL: “It’s difficult because he wants to win trophies. Winning the Champions League increases the chance of winning the Ballon d’Or. He knows that’s how you get noticed by the best eyes.”

Saha added, “There’s pressure because it’s been controversial that he’s not been in finals recently. He left a club that won it and joined one expected to be a favorite but didn’t reach finals. It starts to raise questions personally and spiritually. He seems like a black cat in a way, and he wants to fix that quickly.”

“It’s always great to see someone succeed when they have the potential. He deserves it. Despite criticism of his style, he wants everything. Great players want everything. But if things don’t work out, criticism is easy. If Cristiano Ronaldo hadn’t won trophies, he would’ve been doomed long ago.”

Mbappe’s Record-Breaking Achievements

• World Cup 2026: Mbappe became the all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history.
• French National Team: Holds the record as their top scorer.
• Ligue 1 (PSG): Also the club’s highest goal scorer.
• 2026 Season Start: Already scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad for Real Madrid.

With Jose Mourinho aiming to bring trophies back to Real Madrid, Mbappe’s individual brilliance could soon put him in serious contention for the Ballon d’Or. Still, the debate over his impact versus other contenders like Kvaratskhelia remains alive.