Kylian Mbappe could be on the verge of sweeping the major football honours in 2026, according to former France international Louis Saha, who told GOAL that the Real Madrid forward is in contention for the World Cup, Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and Ballon d’Or. The French captain has been shining on the grandest stage, offering the perfect reply to what Saha describes as “strange criticism”.

Mbappe is currently tied with Lionel Messi in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot. Despite enduring a few challenging seasons at Santiago Bernabeu since his high-profile free transfer to Real Madrid in 2024, the 27-year-old has maintained remarkable personal standards, having netted 86 goals in 103 appearances for Los Blancos.

However, major team success has eluded him over the last two seasons. While Paris Saint-Germain, his former club, have claimed back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, Barcelona have dominated La Liga, leaving Mbappe without significant silverware at club level.

With France, though, Mbappe continues to make history. Now the country’s all-time leading scorer with 62 goals, he has already struck six times at the 2026 World Cup, drawing level with Argentina legend Lionel Messi in the tournament’s scoring chart.

Having won the Golden Boot in Qatar 2022, Mbappe is once again in contention for that accolade. France remain strong favourites to reclaim the world title they last captured in 2018 and narrowly missed defending in 2022. Should they go all the way this time, their captain could be named Player of the Tournament, further strengthening his case for a maiden Ballon d’Or triumph.

When asked if Mbappe can truly sweep the board in 2026, Saha, speaking on behalf of Freebets.com, told GOAL: “It looks like it. He might have missed out on La Liga and the Champions League, but he has this kind of revenge mode that really suits him.”

He added: “He comes across as a very good captain who’s managed to get the best out of his teammates. I don’t see any issues with Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, or Bradley Barcola. All the talk about him—blah, blah, blah—he’s done brilliantly to silence it. It’s impressive. If he keeps this up, and with at least three more games to play, he could achieve something special.”

“In this mindset, he’ll want to reach the final, score more goals, and make history. I really wish him the best because he’s had to face some very strange criticism. He’s handled it very well.”

Mbappe has faced doubts about his leadership qualities and his ability to inspire teammates, but his commanding performances in North America have silenced critics. The Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ is performing at the peak of his powers and leading by example.

Saha has previously spoken about Mbappe’s pursuit of the Ballon d’Or, having often been edged out by other stars. He said: “It’s becoming a bit of a personal and even spiritual question for him. He seems to have been unlucky so far, and that’s something he wants to change quickly.”

“It’s always inspiring to see someone achieve their ambitions when they have the potential. I think he deserves it. People can criticise his style, but he wants to achieve everything. Every great player has that drive to make everything about them. But when it doesn’t work out, it’s easy to criticise. If Cristiano Ronaldo hadn’t turned his own chances into trophies, people would have written him off long ago.”

France have already booked their place in the World Cup Round of 16, with Didier Deschamps’ side showcasing their attacking prowess and flair. They are set to face Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, with a quarter-final berth at stake.

Mbappe will once again lead the charge, eager to prove that he is the best footballer in the world—ten years into a career that has already seen him reach extraordinary heights.