According to a report by Madrid Universal on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Dutch football legend Rafael van der Vaart has backed Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or, describing the Real Madrid forward as the best player in the world at present.

Mbappe is one of the leading contenders for the prestigious individual honour, with his remarkable goalscoring form continuing to draw attention despite Real Madrid’s disappointing performance during the previous season.

Van der Vaart believes the French international deserves the award because of his exceptional talent and consistent performances. The former Netherlands midfielder expressed his support for Mbappe when discussing who should emerge as the winner.

“Kylian Mbappe. I think he’s by far the best player in the world right now, and he performs at an extremely high level in almost every match. Plus, he had a magnificent performance at the World Cup, so I think he deserves the award,” Van der Vaart said, according to the report.

His comments have added another voice to the ongoing Ballon d’Or debate, as Mbappe faces strong competition from other top players, including Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal, England striker Harry Kane and Rodri.

However, Real Madrid’s failure to secure major trophies in the previous campaign could work against Mbappe’s chances. Team success often plays a significant role in Ballon d’Or discussions, making the race more difficult for the French forward despite his individual achievements.

Nevertheless, Mbappe’s impressive goalscoring record and attacking influence remain strong arguments in his favour. Since arriving at Real Madrid, he has faced enormous expectations and continued to demonstrate his ability to influence important matches through his performances and contributions in front of goal.