Lunin, who shares the Real Madrid dressing room with Mbappé, made his preference clear when asked who he believes should claim the coveted prize. The Ukraine international did not hesitate to name the French forward, highlighting his belief in Mbappé’s quality.
“Ballon d’Or? For me, it’s clear, Kylian Mbappe is the best,” Lunin said, as quoted by Madrid Xtra via El Chiringuito TV.
Mbappé’s performances have placed him among the leading contenders for the 2026 award, although he is expected to face significant competition from several of Europe’s elite forwards.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has emerged as another prominent name in the Ballon d’Or conversation, with the Spanish international continuing to attract attention for his performances at club and international level.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is also in contention. The England captain’s goalscoring record and influence for the German giants have kept him firmly among the players being discussed for the individual honour.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually to the player judged to have produced the outstanding individual performances over the relevant period. The final outcome will depend on the voting process and the performances of the leading candidates throughout the season.
For Lunin, however, there is little doubt about who deserves to take home the trophy.
His public backing adds another voice to the growing debate surrounding this year’s award, with Mbappé, Yamal and Kane among the high-profile names competing for recognition.