Former Nigerian international striker John Utaka has thrown his weight behind Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, naming the French forward as his leading pick to claim the 2026 Ballon d’Or. As the race for football’s most prestigious individual accolade heats up, Utaka in a chat with Euro-Football.Ru, pointed to Mbappe’s world-class quality and decisive impact at club level as the primary reasons for his selection.
“The main contender for the Ballon d’Or, I will name Kylian Mbappe,” Utaka declared. With Mbappe continuing to spearhead the attack for both Real Madrid and the French national team, the endorsement from a seasoned African football legend highlights the high expectations surrounding the forward’s quest for his first career Ballon d’Or.
Mbappé enjoyed a stellar individual campaign, claiming the Golden Boot awards in La Liga, the Champions League, and starring for France at the World Cup with 10 tournament goals. The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place on October 26, 2026, in London.