Kylian Mbappé wins Golden Onze
Real Madrid forward collected 48.2% of the vote after a 40+ goal season and historic World Cup performance.
Kylian Mbappé has been awarded the Golden Onze, a readers' accolade that recognises the best player in Europe.
The prize, voted by readers of a French football magazine, was handed to the Real Madrid forward days before the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Season form and World Cup heroics
Mbappé's claim to the award rests on a prolific campaign in which he scored more than 40 goals for club and country, capped by a historic showing at the 2026 World Cup where he became the tournaments' all-time top scorer.
For the 2026 edition of the Golden Onze, the Real Madrid striker collected 48.2% of the vote. He finished well ahead of Paris Saint-Germain teammates João Neves, who received 11.9%, and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, who took 10.8% — both members of PSG's Champions League-winning squad.
The award follows last year's winner, Ousmane Dembélé, who had been named the best player in 2025.
Mbappé's new trophy adds to an already remarkable year on the pitch and heightens expectations ahead of the Ballon d'Or announcement.
Photo: press material from the event
