Okocha Backs Mbappe For Ballon d’Or, Names Champions League Favourites
Super Eagles legend Austin Okocha has backed Kylian Mbappe to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or and tipped Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as contenders for Champions League glory, without naming Arsenal or any other Premier League team.
Okocha made his predictions in an interview with French publication Le Journal du Dimanche ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s trip to Manchester City.
The former Paris Saint-Germain playmaker acknowledged the competitiveness of the Ballon d’Or race but believes Mbappe’s goalscoring exploits make the Real Madrid forward deserving of the prestigious individual award.
Okocha identified Mbappe, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and several PSG players as contenders but singled out the Frenchman for his performances across major competitions.
‘The suspense is more exciting than ever. There are a good half-dozen contenders: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, the PSG players,’ Okocha said.
‘I think Mbappe deserves it for having been the top scorer in the World Cup (10 goals), the Champions League (15) and the Spanish league (25).’
On the Champions League, Okocha named Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as his leading contenders, citing their squad strength, recruitment and performances.
Although City are Premier League giants, Okocha did not mention Arsenal or any other Premier League club in his assessment of the teams capable of winning the European title.
‘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.
Okocha also highlighted Barcelona’s impressive start to the season, particularly the attacking partnership between Raphinha and Yamal.
He added that Bayern Munich would be difficult to beat after retaining their core players, arguing that another season together could strengthen their prospects.
‘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 added.
