Eden Hazard Says Mbappé Must Win Champions League, La Liga and Shine at World Cup to Clinch Ballon d’Or
Paris/Madrid — Former Real Madrid and Belgium international Eden Hazard has outlined three key objectives that he believes French forward Kylian Mbappé must achieve to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or during his time at Real Madrid. Hazard made the remarks in a recent interview as part of ongoing discussion around Mbappé’s chances of claiming football’s top individual honour.
Hazard, who starred in Europe’s top leagues during his playing career, said Mbappé must win major trophies with Real Madrid and also perform exceptionally on the international stage to strengthen his Ballon d’Or credentials. According to Hazard, the trio of accomplishments Mbappé needs are: lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy, capturing the Spanish La Liga title, and going far with France at the FIFA World Cup.
The former winger acknowledged that Mbappé’s individual brilliance and goal-scoring exploits have been impressive since his move to Real Madrid, but Hazard stressed that tangible team success remains a crucial factor in Ballon d’Or voting. “He needs to win the Champions League, La Liga, and go deep in the World Cup,” Hazard said in the interview, while also expressing confidence that Mbappé will ultimately win the award in his career.
Mbappé joined Real Madrid in 2024 after a stellar spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored prolifically and cemented his status as one of the game’s leading attackers. However, despite multiple nominations over the years, the Ballon d’Or has so far eluded him.
Hazard’s comments reflect a broader view among football analysts that individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or often depend not only on personal statistics but also on a player’s role in helping their team secure major trophies. For instance, winning club silverware such as the Champions League has historically boosted nominees’ chances in the annual voting for the award.
As the 2026 Ballon d’Or race unfolds, Mbappé continues to feature prominently in global debates about the world’s best players. His performances in league play, European competition and for the French national team will likely influence how voters assess his credentials later this year.
Supporters of Mbappé argue that his consistent attacking output and role at one of the world’s biggest clubs make him a strong contender, while critics point to trophy droughts and stiff competition from other elite players across Europe.
Hazard’s endorsement and advice adds to the ongoing narrative surrounding Mbappé’s pursuit of football’s most coveted individual prize and highlights the intersection of club success and personal ambition in the modern game.
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