Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé feels this is a ‘good year’ for him to win the Ballon d’Or as he prepares to face Inter in the Champions League.
Mbappé’s Real Madrid will host defending Serie A champions Inter at the Bernabéu tomorrow in the opening match of the league phase of the 2026-27 Champions League.
“We are very happy to play in the Champions League again; we’ll play with determination, and the Bernabéu will give us extra motivation,” Mbappé said at a press conference via Marca.
Real Madrid vs. Inter – Mbappé’s pre-match press conference
“They [the fans] will be demanding, but the Champions League is a massive pleasure.”
Multiple sources in Spain claim the Frenchman is not on good terms with another Real Madrid star: Vinicius Junior.
“I don’t know. This is the biggest club in the world, and I can’t control what people say,” Mbappé replied.
“We have the same target: to win titles. We can’t control people’s opinions, and we always try to improve.”
Mbappé has never won the Ballon d’Or in his career, but hopes that his World Cup record set this summer will help him receive the award this year.
Mbappé wasn’t only the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup with 10 goals, but also the top scorer in the competition’s history, netting 22 goals overall.
“When you play for Real Madrid, people associate you with this award,” he said.
“Many people talk to me about the Ballon d’Or. It’s a positive matter. I made history this summer, but let’s see. It’s a good year for this, but people still have to vote.”
When asked whether he feels he is the best player in the world, he replied: “Always, but it’s very personal. Everyone has their own opinions. Some people think the same; others don’t. It’s a debate; not everyone must think the same way I do. This could be a good year to win the Ballon d’Or, but the journalists vote, and they’ll decide.
“I have two different positions in the national team and here. I have to take the step forward. There, I’m the captain, and here I’m not. As a player, I want to improve my perception of the game, whether we attack or dominate, and my management of emotions.
“I’ve had several visions with several coaches, and that’s helped me a lot. There are many games in one game.”
During his pre-match press conference, Real Madrid coach José Mourinho praised both Mbappé and Inter star Lautaro Martinez, who netted a brace on Saturday to inspire Inter’s 3-2 win over Napoli.
