Henry backs Mbappe's Ballon d'Or bid: He is my No. 1 choice

Yesterday, France Football announced the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Among the nominees, 27-year-old Mbappe has made his stance clear and has become one of the favorites for the award, receiving support from several figures. His coach Mourinho is backing him, and Henry is as well.

"If he wins the World Cup, I think Messi will win the Ballon d'Or, and Olise won't be far behind. But Mbappe is my No. 1 choice. People will say he has not won anything... I think some people should look it up and find that some Ballon d'Or winners had also not won any trophies in the year before receiving the award. For me, it is Mbappe. Look at what he has achieved individually... Champions League top scorer, La Liga top scorer, World Cup top scorer... Olise has had a similar impact in terms of assists. It is incredible. I would choose Mbappe, with Olise right behind him." Henry has already made his position clear.