Super Eagles legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has backed Kylian Mbappe to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Footynaija reports.
The former PSG playmaker argues that the Real Madrid forward’s remarkable scoring exploits make him deserving of football’s most prestigious individual award.
Okocha also identified Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as leading contenders for the UEFA Champions League title, offering his predictions during an interview with French publication Le Journal du Dimanche ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s trip to Manchester City on Wednesday.
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The former Super Eagles captain acknowledged that this year’s Ballon d’Or race promises to be fiercely contested, with Harry Kane, Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and several PSG stars also in contention.
However, Mbappe’s goalscoring numbers have convinced the Nigerian icon that the Frenchman deserves to come out on top.
“The suspense is more exciting than ever. There are a good half-dozen contenders: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, the PSG players,” Okocha said.
“I think Mbappé deserves it for having been the top scorer in the World Cup (10 goals), the Champions League (15) and the Spanish league (25).”
Okocha names Champions League favourites
Beyond the individual prize, Okocha expects Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich to mount serious challenges for European club football’s biggest trophy.
He pointed to City’s substantial summer spending as evidence of their determination to strengthen their squad and reclaim continental supremacy.
“Of course. City are still among the main contenders. They spent a lot of money last summer to strengthen their squad (nearly €500 million),” he said.
Barcelona have also caught his attention, with the attacking partnership between Raphinha and Yamal impressing the former Super Eagles captain.
“I also see FC Barcelona, who are having a remarkable start to the season with the Raphinha-Yamal duo, and Bayern Munich, who came very close last season and have managed to keep their starting eleven intact. With another year under their belts, this team will be difficult to beat.”
Okocha also singled out PSG youngster Désiré Doué as a player capable of exciting supporters, praising his technical quality and natural ability on the ball.
“I would say Désiré Doué. I like him a lot. He’s incredible technically and everything seems natural as soon as he has the ball at his feet.”
Reflecting on his four-year spell in Paris, Okocha admitted that failing to win a major trophy was disappointing, although he remains proud of the football his team produced.
“Yes, but we played the most beautiful football in the French league. I had a blast with fantastic teammates like Ronaldinho, Gabi Heinze, Mikel Arteta, and Nicolas Anelka. PSG is a club I hold dear. The city is wonderful, and I loved living there,” he concluded.
Okocha won the BBC Africa Footballer of the Year twice during an unforgettable time at Bolton Wanderers.
