PSG star Kylian Mbappe believes he 'fits criteria' to win Ballon d'Or

Mbappe has been one of the outstanding players in world football over the past five seasons or so, winning the World Cup as just a teenager with a France.

However, the Champions League has eluded the forward and he has made public his desire to move to Real Madrid. The 24-year-old does not want to sign a new contract at the club with his current one set to expire at the end of next season.

This might force PSG into cashing in on him now as opposed to him possibly leaving on a free transfer at the end of the next campaign. Many believe that Mbappe has been unlucky in seasons past not to win the Ballon d'Or, which recognises the best player in world football.

He looks set to miss out on the coveted individual accolade yet again, with former PSG teammate Lionel Messi a frontrunner for inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory for the first time since 1986 and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, ho won the Treble and scored 52 goals in his debut campaign with the Citizens.

At risk of sounding arrogant, Mbappe believes he would be a worthy recipient of the award and is optimistic that he will receive the highest number of votes.

"It's difficult to talk about an individual trophy because you have to put yourself forward and it's not well seen by the general public," he said.

"What are the new criteria? Is it to shine and make an impact? I think I fit the criteria. We'll see. It's the people who vote but I'm still optimistic."

The winners of the FIFA Ballon d'Or are chosen by international journalists and the coaches and captains of the national teams under FIFA's jurisdiction.