Inter Milan legend Wesley Sneijder has confidently backed Kylian Mbappé to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting the Real Madrid superstar is already at the front of the race for next year’s prestigious award.

Speaking with Marca, the former Netherlands midfielder said the current Ballon d’Or voting system heavily favours Mbappé — and the Frenchman’s evolution into a more complete forward strengthens his chances even further.

“With the current points system, I’m almost certain Mbappé will win the trophy next season — 100 per cent,” Sneijder said.
“He’s become a true striker. He’s more effective now than when he played on the wing, and Real Madrid doesn’t need a player like Haaland.”

Sneijder also suggested that Vinícius Júnior could be next in line, predicting the Brazilian may claim the award after Mbappé.

“As for Vinicius, he might win it the following year. Both of them have the potential.”

Mbappé has been in superb form for both Real Madrid and the French national team this season, further cementing his status as one of football’s most dominant and consistent performers.

Opinion: Sneijder May Not Be Far Off — Mbappé Looks Unstoppable

Wesley Sneijder’s prediction isn’t just bold; it echoes a growing global sentiment. Watching Mbappé this season, it’s hard not to feel that football is witnessing the beginning of another long era of domination — the kind only a handful of players have achieved before.

At Real Madrid, Mbappé has taken his game to an entirely new dimension. He’s no longer just the lightning-fast winger who bursts past defenders; he has evolved into a complete, ruthless forward with:

Clinical finishing
Mature movement
Improved decision-making
Leadership on and off the ball

Sneijder’s point about the Ballon d’Or voting system is key. The award heavily favours players who excel in major tournaments and are part of winning teams. With the 2026 World Cup approaching the following year, Mbappé will enter the period where football’s biggest spotlight shines brightest.

And let’s be honest — when Mbappé gets a stage, he rarely disappoints.

The mention of Vinícius Júnior is equally interesting. If Real Madrid continue to dominate European football, the Golden Era of Mbappé × Vinícius may produce back-to-back Ballon d’Or winners — just as we saw with the Messi–Ronaldo era.

Whether Sneijder’s certainty will prove correct remains to be seen, but one thing is clear:
The battle for the next generation’s crown is well underway, and Mbappé is already several steps ahead.