Real Madrid's discreet support for Mbappé for the Ballon d'Or

While Real Madrid was running a rather modest campaign for Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Ballon d'Or, defender Raul Asencio said that the French captain was the best of all the nominees, thus offering official support to the club.

Statement from the Madrid defender

In an interview given to As, Madrid defender Raul Asencio, who had tibia surgery a week ago and has not yet played this season, stated without hesitation that “he is the best player among all the nominees”. He highlighted Mbappé’s individual statistics, describing him as the top scorer in every category and deserving of an individual award.

Context of the tension between the player and the club

Asencio’s support comes after an international break where Mbappé, injured with the French team in Turkey on September 25, did not return to Madrid to receive treatment. His outing at a Paris nightclub with Ester Exposito and the release of a video showing him cycling – an activity prohibited by José Mourinho – have fueled tensions with Real’s supporters.

Kylian Mbappé: parties in Paris, cycling in Spain and Ballon d'Or

According to the programme, the Portuguese manager allegedly reminded Mbappé of the club’s demands, insisting that he must identify with Real, work and be visible at training. Josep Pedrerol, host of the show and spokesperson for Florentino Pérez, explained that the club was supporting its star “lazily”, while reminding that Real wants more than just an individual trophy.

Pedrerol added that Mbappé’s desire to win the Ballon d’Or must be accompanied by a presence on the pitch, in order to regain the supporters’ affection. He concluded that the player must think about what he wants and where he wants to go, lest he lose the support of the Madrid crowd.

Mbappé returns to Real Madrid training, the Casa Blanca waits

In summary, Real Madrid, despite an initially low-key campaign, now has an explicit backing from one of its defenders, Raul Asencio, who places Kylian Mbappé at the top of the Ballon d’Or nominees.