Mbappé's Ballon d'Or near-miss could fuel his next two or three years
Kylian Mbappé finished second in the 2026 Ballon d'Or behind Harry Kane, and analysts believe this near-miss will motivate the French striker in the coming years of his career. RMC consultant Kévin Diaz said the failure "will serve him," noting Mbappé has "two or three years ahead" with peak physical abilities. Diaz stressed that recent Ballon d'Or winners achieved success through collective team triumphs, not individual performances alone. Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in 2024, has won only two minor trophies with the club. Diaz concluded that winning a major title like the Champions League is essential for Mbappé to secure the award, warning that Barcelona's Lamine Yamal could win it otherwise.