Kylian Mbappe joins Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by achieving a fresh milestone

In a glittering football landscape dominated by legends, Kylian Mbappe has carved out his place among the greats. The French superstar has now matched Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by becoming just the third player in history to earn eight Ballon d’Or nominations by the age of 26—an elite milestone that cements his legacy among football’s finest.

A Historic Nomination at 26

Mbappe's 2024–25 Ballon d’Or nomination is more than just a nod to his skill—it's a testament to consistent excellence. With a staggering 44 goals scored in his debut season for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe clinched the European Golden Boot and the coveted Pichichi Trophy, underlining his attacking dominance in Spain. This performance earned him a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d'Or once again, bringing his total tally to eight before turning 27.

The 26-year-old’s journey to this milestone began in 2017, when he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or at just 18 while still dazzling the world with AS Monaco. At the time, he was the youngest ever to be nominated for the award—a record now held by Lamine Yamal.

In Legendary Company

With this latest recognition, Mbappe joins the rarest of company. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the only players to notch eight nominations by the age of 26. While both GOATs had already lifted the trophy by that age—Messi at 22 and Ronaldo at 23—Mbappe’s consistent recognition suggests his time may soon come.

"There are only three players in history that have scored eight Ballon d’Or nominations by age 26: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and now, Kylian Mbappe."

Despite not winning the award yet, the French forward’s name continues to dominate headlines and shortlists, making his future prospects all the more promising.

Tough Competition Ahead

While Mbappes achievements are remarkable, the road to his first Ballon d’Or remains steep. The 2025 race is heating up, with Ousmane Dembélé of PSG and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona emerging as front-runners. Complicating matters further, Real Madrid's lack of major silverware last season may hurt Mbappe's chances, despite his personal brilliance.

Still Chasing the Crown

Though the golden ball remains elusive, Kylian Mbappe’s journey is far from over. With his move to Real Madrid already bearing individual fruit, it may only be a matter of time before he adds the Ballon d’Or itself to his growing legacy.