Why Saha Believes Mbappé’s Champions League and Ballon d’Or Drought Will End Soon
Louis Saha has expressed strong belief that Kylian Mbappé’s wait for football’s most coveted honours will not last forever, pointing to Cristiano Ronaldo’s career as proof that fortunes can quickly turn.
Kylian Mbappé’s wait for Champions League and Ballon d’Or success may soon end, with Louis Saha confident the Real Madrid forward will follow Ronaldo’s path.
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Mbappé, already a World Cup winner and among the game’s most feared attackers, continues to chase both Champions League success and the Ballon d’Or. While those accolades have so far evaded him, there is a widespread expectation that his talent will eventually be rewarded.
When Mbappé first broke through as a teenager, many predicted he would naturally inherit the mantle of the world’s best player as icons like Lionel Messi and Ronaldo began stepping away from their peak years. However, that transition has not yet been fully realised in terms of global recognition.
Even without those titles, his achievements remain remarkable. He has set scoring records at Paris Saint-Germain and is on course to do the same with the French national team. Yet, the absence of European club success continues to stand out.
His career highlights include lifting the 2018 World Cup and delivering a historic hat-trick in the 2022 final, albeit in defeat. A high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2024 was expected to bring immediate Champions League success, but that breakthrough has not come.
Meanwhile, PSG achieved what Mbappé could not during his time there by winning the Champions League and now aiming to retain it in 2026. This twist has only intensified narratives around his misfortune.
Saha acknowledged that Mbappé may feel frustrated, especially given the timing of events in his career. Speaking on the subject, he explained that Champions League success plays a crucial role in Ballon d’Or recognition and emphasised that Mbappé understands this link.
He also highlighted the unusual perception forming around the forward, suggesting that some might view him as unlucky—likening it to carrying a “black cat” shadow. Still, Saha made it clear that such a phase can be reversed.
According to the former striker, Mbappé deserves both individual and team honours, citing his immense ability and the pressure he consistently handles. He added that criticism often arises when expectations are not met, even for players who strive to dominate every aspect of the game.
Using Ronaldo as a benchmark, Saha noted that sustained success ultimately silences doubts. Without converting opportunities into trophies, even the greatest players could have faced harsh judgment.
Mbappé, however, is far from running out of time. At 27, he is entering what should be the prime of his career, and his statistics at Real Madrid—85 goals in 100 matches—underline his continued excellence.
Looking ahead, the upcoming World Cup offers another stage for Mbappé to enhance his legacy. Leading France, he will aim to secure further international success, which could play a decisive role in his quest for the Ballon d’Or.
