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Kylian Mbappe has reportedly fallen out of contention for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with former French forward Jeremie Aliadiere telling GOAL that the heartbreak of France’s World Cup exit is likely to have ended his hopes. The French captain, who remains Les Bleus’ all-time top scorer, has yet to lift the Golden Ball and will now need to wait another year to mount a fresh challenge for football’s most prestigious individual accolade.

Mbappe’s hopes took a hit after missing out on major trophies for both club and country. The Real Madrid star had forced his name into the Ballon d’Or conversation following a stunning World Cup campaign, where he netted eight goals to help France reach the semi-finals in North America, highlighting once again his world-class status.

However, defeat to Spain ended his hopes of another shot at international glory. At club level, the 2025-26 season was equally disappointing, as Real Madrid completed a second consecutive campaign without major silverware, further denting Mbappe’s chances in the Ballon d’Or race.

Such setbacks hold significance in Ballon d’Or voting, where winning major titles like the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA World Cup often proves decisive. In contrast, Argentina’s Lionel Messi appears to be back in the spotlight, guiding the Albiceleste to yet another World Cup final. The 39-year-old has scored eight goals in the tournament and is now seeking to defend the crown he claimed at Qatar 2022. Should he deliver another match-winning display against Spain, a record-extending ninth Golden Ball could well come his way.

Aliadiere acknowledges that Messi has overtaken Mbappe in the race for football’s top honour. Speaking to GOAL in association with Betinia NJ, the Frenchman said when asked if Mbappe’s wait for a Ballon d’Or might continue: “Yeah, I think so. I think if he'd had a fantastic year in terms of winning something with Real Madrid, then he probably could still be in the running but without winning anything with Madrid…”

He added: “Even at a personal level, I thought he had a great season, scoring an incredible number of goals and carrying the team for most of the campaign. So individually, he’s had a fantastic season, but unfortunately, without trophies, we know the rules for a Ballon d’Or – you’ve got to win the Champions League, World Cup, or Euros.”

Aliadiere also mentioned Harry Kane, saying: “It’s a shame because I thought Harry Kane would have had a good shot if England had gone all the way as well, but it’s the same story for him.”

He concluded: “I think it’ll probably go to someone from Argentina. If Messi wins it again, I think everyone will be amazed by his age and what he’s produced at the World Cup, forgetting that he’s playing in MLS for Inter Miami.”

Despite being 39, Messi continues to defy age and expectations. The 2025 MLS season saw him earn both the MLS Cup and MVP honours with Inter Miami, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest of all time.

Messi’s international form has been equally impressive. In his last outing, he led Argentina past England in a dramatic semi-final in Atlanta, and another Golden Ball now seems within reach. Former World Cup winner and ex-MLS player Kleberson previously told GOAL that Messi still has what it takes to win another Ballon d’Or and move four clear of his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Wow! That guy never stops!” Kleberson said. “Argentina has a better chance of winning the World Cup with Messi than any other team because he’s still playing at such a high level.”

He continued: “It’s different from Ronaldo. He’s still playing, but the players around Ronaldo aren’t at the same level as those around Messi in Argentina. That’s why Messi has a huge chance.”

Kleberson added: “If he wins the World Cup, 100 per cent he’ll be among the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or again. He’s brilliant. Even Brazilian players and fans admire him and want to see great players like him winning the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup. Messi is one of those rare players who bring joy to the game.”

Messi will now lead Argentina into the World Cup final on Sunday, where they will face European champions Spain, featuring teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s new No.10. Meanwhile, Mbappe, after competing in the third-place play-off against England, will be watching from afar, already shifting his focus back to Real Madrid and the 2026-27 campaign, as he seeks to reignite his Ballon d’Or ambitions in 2027.