June 20, 2023 
By India Today Sports Desk: Kylian Mbappe is remaining optimistic about winning the Ballon d'Or and said that he thinks he meets the criteria to win the trophy after his performance for club and country over the past season.
Mbappe played a big role for PSG this year as they won their second consecutive Ligue 1 title and also was France's main man as they made it to the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The 24-year-old scored a hat-trick in the final loss to Argentina and also won the golden boot for being the highest goalscorer in the tournament.
The France skipper was on target in Monday's European qualifier against Greece. Mbappe had first failed to convert a penalty in the first attempt but was given a chance once again due to encroachment.
With the strike, the 24-year-old has now equalled Erling Haaland's tally for the campaign with 54 goals for both club and country. Haaland and World cup winner Lionel Messi will be the main contenders alongside Mbappe for the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy.
Speaking after the match, as quoted By L'Equipe, Mbappe was asked about his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or. The French skipper said that he meets the criteria to win the Ballon d'Or.
The 24-year-old said he is remaining optimistic about his chances of winning the individual crown.
“It’s difficult to talk about an individual trophy because you have to put yourself forward and that isn’t well perceived by the general public. What are the new criteria? Is it catching the eye and being impactful? I think I meet the criteria. We’ll see. It’s the people who vote, but I’m always optimistic,” said Mbappe.
Mbappe's future at PSG remains unclear at the moment after the forward told the club that he wouldn't be extending his contract beyond 2024.
July 20, 2024 
