Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will attend Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London as he attempts to win the award for the first time.

The France international is among the leading contenders after scoring 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid. His campaign included 25 goals in La Liga, making him the division’s top scorer, while he also scored 10 times at the 2026 World Cup and won the Golden Boot.

However, Mbappe is considered an outsider compared with England captain Harry Kane and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal.

Kane is the bookmakers’ favourite after an outstanding season in which he scored 61 goals and provided seven assists in all competitions. He also won three trophies, including the Bundesliga.

Yamal is viewed as Kane’s closest challenger after helping Spain win the World Cup and Barcelona claim two trophies, including the La Liga title.

RMC Sport has reported that Mbappe will be present at the ceremony, which takes place in London tomorrow, with the Real Madrid forward hoping to collect the prize.

His prospects are understood to be limited, however, after he ended the campaign without a trophy with either Real Madrid or France. Kane’s domestic success and Yamal’s achievements with club and country have placed both players ahead of him in the race.

Mbappe has nevertheless made clear that he believes his performances merit recognition.

“There wasn't anyone better than me last season,” he said.

The forward has also said he hopes to dedicate the 2026 Ballon d’Or to Africa if he wins it. The comments have been widely viewed as a direct attempt to attract additional votes before the ceremony.

Kane’s goal tally, combined with his three trophies, has made him the leading candidate, while Yamal’s success at international and club level has established the teenager as the main alternative.

Mbappe’s 42 goals for Real Madrid, along with his World Cup Golden Boot and status as La Liga’s top scorer, keep him in contention, but his lack of silverware with Real Madrid and France has weakened his claim.