Mbappé pushes: Ballon d’Or must return to Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé hopes to hold the Ballon d’Or in his hands next month. He wants the award to return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where the winner will be announced on October 26.

Mbappé’s personal mission

“My view is that this is a good year to win it,” says the French striker. “My feet are my best advocates, no matter how much I talk. The most important thing for me is that the Ballon d’Or returns to Real Madrid, to the Real Madrid fans, to give all those people something to be excited about.”

Strong competition

Mbappé is among the contenders alongside Erling Haaland, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and eight‑time winner Lionel Messi. Despite his status at the absolute world top, he has never won the award.

Young threat: Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal, the young superstar of FC Barcelona, is also seen as a strong contender. He captured the Spanish league title with Barça and won the world title with Spain.

Flick grants a rest and Raphinha backs Yamal for the Ballon d'Or

Mbappé praised Yamal enthusiastically: “I think he is a very talented player and I feel he is heading for a great career. I wish him all the best.”

Last season Mbappé won no trophies with the Royal, but he made his mark at the World Cup with France. In eight matches he scored ten times, overtaking, among others, Messi and Kane. France eventually fell in the semi‑final against Spain (0‑2).

The contrast between Mbappé’s desire to bring the Ball back to the Bernabéu and the extensive list of world stars underscores how much he values the club and its fans. While the competition spans continents, his focus remains on a single stadium.

Champions Weir backs Barça while Lakrar eyes Bernabéu debut

This contrast shows that the Ballon d’Or for Mbappé is more than an individual accolade; he sees it as a gift for Real Madrid and its supporters.