Ballon d’Or: Mbappe back among favourites after prolific Real Madrid start

Kylian Mbappe has renewed his pursuit of the Ballon d’Or after making a flying start to the new season with Real Madrid.

The France international scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad to take his tally to three goals in the opening stages of the campaign, putting himself back among the leading contenders for the prestigious individual award.

Mbappe’s form comes after a remarkable previous season in which he scored 58 goals for club and country, including 42 in 44 appearances for Real Madrid and 16 for France.

Mbappe remains determined despite missing major honours

The Real Madrid forward has continued to produce impressive numbers despite failing to collect some of the major team honours he would have wanted.

His goalscoring record, however, has kept him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.

Mbappe also won the Golden Boot at the last World Cup and remains one of the most prominent attacking players in world football.

With the next Ballon d’Or winner due to be announced on 27 October, the Frenchman will be hoping his performances can strengthen his case.

Teamwork key to Mbappe’s ambitions

Mbappe and his Real Madrid team-mates appear to have embraced a greater emphasis on collective success under coach Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese manager has helped foster an atmosphere in which previous tensions have been replaced by stronger relationships within the dressing room.

That unity could prove important for Mbappe, whose individual ambitions are closely linked to Real Madrid’s ability to win matches and major trophies.

The French forward needs the team to continue producing positive results if he is to strengthen his argument for the world’s most prestigious individual prize.

Ballon d’Or race remains open

Mbappe is among a group of high-profile candidates being considered for the award.

Other names attracting attention include Rodri, Harry Kane, Fabian Ruiz and Lamine Yamal, while the performances of the world champions are also expected to influence the debate.

The award’s voting process involves 100 journalists from around the world, with candidates judged on a range of factors including individual performances, team success and achievements with club and country.

The France Football editorial board is preparing to announce the 30-player shortlist from which the winner will eventually be selected.

Strong start could boost Mbappe’s chances

Although the main assessment period for the award has already been determined, Mbappe’s early-season form has placed him firmly back in the spotlight.

His goals and contribution to Real Madrid’s victories could strengthen his position among the leading contenders as the Ballon d’Or race develops.

For Mbappe, the objective is clear: maintain his exceptional goalscoring form and help Real Madrid collect major victories as he continues his pursuit of the individual honour that has so far eluded him.