Okocha Backs Mbappe to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or
Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has backed Kylian Mbappe to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Harry Kane and other contenders.
Okocha said Mbappe deserves the award because of his impressive goalscoring record in the World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Spanish league.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League meeting with Manchester City, the Nigerian football legend described this year’s race as one of the most exciting in recent times.
He named Mbappe, Kane, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and several PSG players among the leading contenders.
“The suspense is more exciting than ever. There are around half a dozen contenders: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, the PSG players,” Okocha said.
However, when asked who should win the award, the former PSG midfielder chose Mbappe, pointing to the Frenchman’s goalscoring achievements.
“I think Mbappe would deserve it for having been the top scorer at the World Cup (10 goals), in the Champions League (15) and in the Spanish league (25),” he added.
Mbappe has continued to attract attention with his performances for Real Madrid and the France national team.
Kane, however, has also enjoyed an impressive spell with Bayern Munich. The England captain scored 70 goals and provided nine assists in 64 appearances for club and country, according to the figures provided.
Mbappe recorded 53 goals and 10 assists in 59 appearances over the same period.
Despite Kane’s impressive numbers, Okocha believes Mbappe’s performances across major competitions make him a strong candidate for football’s biggest individual award.
Kane is also hoping to become the first English player to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen claimed the prize in 2001.
## Okocha Reflects on His Time at PSG
The Nigerian legend also spoke about his time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he played from 1998 to 2002.
During his spell at the French club, Okocha shared the dressing room with notable players, including Ronaldinho, Nicolas Anelka and Mikel Arteta.
Although he expressed disappointment that he did not win a major trophy with PSG, he said the team played attractive football.
“Yes, but we had played the most beautiful football in the French league,” he said.
Okocha also praised the current PSG team managed by Luis Enrique, describing them as Europe’s best team over the past two years.
He particularly admired their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final.
Meanwhile, Mbappe, Kane and Yamal have all expressed their desire to win the Ballon d’Or, with their performances during the 2025/2026 season expected to influence the final decision.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 26 at the Palladium Theatre in London.
