Okocha backs Mbappe in ‘more exciting’ 2026 Ballon d’Or race

Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha has placed Kylian Mbappe ahead of Harry Kane in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the competition for football’s most prestigious individual award is “more exciting” than ever.

Speaking to French outlet Le Journal du Dimanche before Paris St-Germain’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Manchester City, the former Nigeria international assessed a contest featuring several outstanding candidates.

Mbappe, Kane, Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and Michael Oliseh are regarded as the leading contenders after producing performances that have put them above the rest of the field.

Okocha acknowledged the strength of the competition but identified Mbappe as his preferred winner because of the Real Madrid forward’s goalscoring record across the World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Spanish league.

The Nigerian believes Mbappe’s case is strengthened by his ability to make an impact in several major competitions, rather than relying on performances in only one tournament.

Kane has also enjoyed a prolific period with Bayern Munich and remains a serious contender after scoring regularly for both club and country. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker is also attempting to become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

Okocha did not rule out Kane’s chances, although his comments suggest Mbappe’s output across three of the game’s biggest stages gives the Frenchman the advantage.

Kane’s figures are stronger overall, with 70 goals and nine assists in 64 matches for club and country. Mbappe has scored 53 goals and supplied 10 assists in 59 games.

Okocha reflects on PSG spell

Okocha also looked back on his four-year spell at PSG between 1998 and 2002, when he played alongside a number of high-profile figures, including Ronaldinho, Nicolas Anelka and Mikel Arteta.

Although he was frustrated that he did not win a major trophy with the Parisian club, Okocha said the team produced attractive football during his time there.

He was also full of praise for the current PSG side managed by Luis Enrique, describing them as Europe’s best team over the past two years.

Okocha specifically highlighted their 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in the 2025 Champions League final as a performance he admired.

The leading candidates have all discussed their ambitions for the award in recent months. Kane has admitted that not winning either the World Cup or the Champions League could damage his chances, while Yamal and Mbappe believe their individual performances during the 2025/2026 season are worthy of the Ballon d’Or.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on 26 October at the Palladium Theatre.