Published : 10 Sep 2026, 12:33 AM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:49 AM
France Football unveiled the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappé among the leading contenders -- and Thierry Henry firmly in his corner.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona star named the Real Madrid forward as his favourite to win the prestigious individual prize, while placing Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise second, Goal.com reported.
“Had he won the World Cup, I think Lionel Messi would have won the Ballon d'Or. And Michael Olise would not have been far behind him. But Kylian Mbappé is my favourite,” Henry told Foot Mercato.
The France legend dismissed the argument that Mbappé lacks the team honours needed to win.
“Some will tell me he has not won anything. I think some people should search a little to discover that some Ballon d'Or winners did not win anything in the year before their victory.”
For Henry, Mbappé’s individual numbers settle the argument.
“For me, Kylian is the best. When you see what he achieved on an individual level: top scorer in the Champions League, top scorer in La Liga, top scorer at the World Cup... Olise has the same achievement in terms of assists. It is remarkable. I would choose Kylian, with Michael Olise close behind him.”
