Javier Tebas backs Mbappé, a heavyweight in the Ballon d’Or race

In the Liga conference room, president Javier Tebas announced, a few days before the vote, his support for Kylian Mbappé for the Ballon d’Or, reminding that the Real Madrid striker has every reason to lift the trophy.

Javier Tebas, a highly media‑savvy president of the Liga, emphasized that the stance is not trivial, his comments being closely scrutinized in Spanish football. He said that Mbappé has every reason to lift the Ballon d’Or.

Statement to L’Équipe

In an interview given to L’Équipe, the executive described the Frenchman as “one of the best players in the world.” “He is a global star, a huge player who brings a lot to his team and to the league in general,” he insisted.

Tebas did not hide his preference for another candidate, stating “I would like Rodri to repeat his feat.” However, he added that “If Mbappé won the Ballon d’Or, it would not bother me. It’s very close,” and that the victory would be “a well‑deserved title.”

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Context of the rivalry

The support carries more weight given the explosive relationship between Tebas and Real Madrid. The Liga president multiplies confrontations with Florentino Pérez and recently sparked a controversy by criticizing the Madrid communication.

Seeing the Liga president defend the candidacy of Real’s main star amplifies the impact of his judgment. Even one of the club’s fiercest opponents now acknowledges that Mbappé could deserve the Ballon d’Or.

Although Tebas does not vote directly, his opinion gives Mbappé a powerful symbolic argument in the final battle. This official recognition further strengthens the legitimacy of the Frenchman’s candidacy on the international stage.

As the ceremony approaches, Javier Tebas’s unexpected support could influence the deliberations and add extra weight to Kylian Mbappé’s candidacy, already seen as one of the favorites for the award.