Mbappé crowned Onze d'Or 2026 before the Ballon d'Or
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Kylian Mbappé was crowned with the Onze d’Or 2026, a prestigious award chosen by the readers of Onze Mondial, rewarding the best European player of the season. But tradition dictates that this trophy does not always coincide with the Ballon d'Or, for which Mbappé hopes to be at the top of the votes despite tough competition and an uncertain recent history.
According to Vnexpress.
Context
Kylian Mbappé, currently a Paris Saint-Germain player, was recently crowned best European player by the Eleven Mondial, which reinforces his status in the world of football. As he prepares for the Ballon d'Or, comparisons with other great players, such as Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, are inevitable, especially in the context of the rivalry between Ligue 1 and La Liga.
Why it matters
Kylian Mbappé's victory at the 2026 Onze d'Or underlines his growing status in European football, but it also highlights the challenges ahead for the Ballon d'Or. Recent history shows that success at the Onze d'Or does not guarantee a Ballon d'Or victory, which could create additional pressure on the young striker. Competing with other stars, like Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, makes Mbappé's quest even more complex.
Key points
- Mbappé crowned Onze d'Or 2026 before the Ballon d'Or.
- Kylian Mbappé was crowned with the Onze d'Or 2026, a prestigious award chosen by the readers of Onze Mondial, rewarding the best European player of the season.
- Mbappe được vinh danh trước Quả Bóng Vàng 2026.
Kylian Mbappé continues his rise in the elite of world football by winning the 2026 Onze d'Or. Awarded by the readers of the French magazine Onze Mondial, the striker of the French team and Real Madrid is thus named best European player of the past season, just one week before the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony planned in London.
The distinction of the Onze d’Or takes on a particular dimension in the French football landscape. However, a paradox persists: over the last eight editions where the two prizes were awarded, only three winners have achieved the Onze d’Or – Ballon d’Or double in the same year. The observation is revealing: since 2018, big names have seen their triumph at the Onze d’Or not result in immediate international recognition.
Lionel Messi, winner of the 2018 Onze d'Or, saw Luka Modric win the Ballon d'Or after a season marked by a Champions League title and a World Cup final with Croatia. Rebelote in 2019, where Sadio Mané, brilliant with Liverpool, failed against Messi during the world vote. Karim Benzema, crowned the Onze d'Or in 2021, must also wait a year before achieving the historic double in 2022, buoyed by an exceptional season with Real Madrid.
More recently, Erling Haaland, impressive during the 2022-2023 season with Manchester City, “only” won second place in the Ballon d’Or, Messi winning thanks to his triumph with Argentina during the 2022 World Cup. Vinicius Jr. suffered the same fate in 2024, shining with Real Madrid but beaten by Rodri during the Ballon d’Or.
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In 2025, Ousmane Dembélé ends this series with a double Onze d'Or – Ballon d'Or thanks to his successful season in the colors of PSG, punctuated by a historic European title for the Parisian club. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (2017), Benzema (2022) and Dembélé (2025) have achieved this double in recent years.
The specificity of the two prizes also lies in their method of award: the Onze d'Or is elected by amateur readers of the magazine, while the Ballon d'Or is decided by an international panel of journalists, based on individual performance, collective achievements and sportsmanship.
In terms of numbers, Mbappé impressed for his first victory at the Onze d'Or with 48.2% of the votes, far ahead of Joao Neves and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, both PSG players. His 2025-2026 season is exemplary: top scorer in La Liga (25 goals), the Champions League (15 goals), and a 2026 World Cup marked by a top scorer title (10 goals and 4 assists), even if France finished fourth.
Thanks to his exploits, Mbappé also becomes the top scorer in the history of the World Cup finals (22 goals), ahead of Messi and Miroslav Klose. Despite a history that does not always work in favor of the winners of the Onze d'Or, Mbappé stays the course and relishes this recognition from the supporters.
In his interview with Onze Mondial, he expressed his gratitude to the voters and emphasized how this prize symbolizes the reward for his work and encourages him to progress further. At the peak of his career, Mbappé insists on the importance of adaptation and a more mature approach to the game, thus testifying to his ambition to continue to mark the history of European and world football.
The rest
One week before the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, expectations are high for Kylian Mbappé, who hopes to shine on the world stage. Past performances of Onze d'Or winners, which have not always been followed by Ballon d'Or success, could influence votes. La Liga and Ligue 1 fans will be closely following this ceremony, hoping to see Mbappé crowned as the best player in the world.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with Kylian Mbappé recently?
Kylian Mbappé was crowned Onze d'Or 2026, designating the best European player of the past season.
Who confirmed Mbappé's victory at the Onze d'Or?
Kylian Mbappé's victory was confirmed by readers of the French magazine Onze Mondial.
Why is this distinction being awarded now?
The Onze d'Or distinction is awarded one week before the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony scheduled in London.
What changes have taken place in the football landscape with this distinction?
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'Onze d'Or has a particular dimension in France, but only three winners of the last eight editions have won the double with the Ballon d'Or in the same year.
Which other players have been mentioned in connection with the Eleven d'Or?
Players like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr. have been mentioned in connection with previous Ballon d'Or results.