Mbappé rushes to London, joins Dembélé before the Ballon d’Or

After the Sunday night clash between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga, Kylian Mbappé confirmed his immediate departure for London to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he will hand over his title despite a busy schedule.

The main protagonists of the evening, including Mbappé and his French teammate Ousmane Dembélé, confirmed their presence in the British capital despite simultaneous league matches.

After the top‑of‑the‑table La Liga duel, the Real Madrid striker headed straight for London, where he will meet Dembélé, also selected for the France national team.

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Mbappé, winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or edition, remains unavailable due to a thigh injury that sidelines him from the Paris Saint‑Germain – Olympique Lyonnais match scheduled for Monday evening, but he will travel to hand over his trophy.

Uncertain presence of other members

The participation of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who must undergo right cruciate ligament surgery in Doha, as well as that of captain Marquinhos, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, remains highly uncertain, and the decision regarding Nasser Al‑Khelaïfi will be made at the last minute.

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Harry Kane, bookmakers' favourite, will be present at the London Palladium with his family, while the 19‑year‑old prodigy of FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, has scheduled his flight to England after the Clasico, ready to compete for the top prize.