Kylian Mbappe renews Ballon d’Or push after Inter goal

Kylian Mbappe has strengthened his case for the 2026 Ballon d’Or while insisting that Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign remains his main priority. The forward’s latest comments came after the club’s victory over Inter, keeping both ambitions at the centre of his season.

Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1 on Tuesday, with Mbappe scoring for the Spanish side. He said winning the Champions League with the club he has always wanted to represent would mean more to him than the individual award. At the same time, he acknowledged that this season presents a significant opportunity to claim the Ballon d’Or.

Mbappe’s position adds to the debate around his candidacy after earlier remarks about the prize drew strong reactions, particularly in Spain. Some critics questioned the focus on a personal honour while Madrid have gone two seasons without a major title since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Support for his candidacy has nevertheless grown in Madrid, with the 30-player shortlist announced on Tuesday.

The final decision will be made by journalists, and Mbappe accepts that voters may not share his view of the world’s best player. The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, while Madrid’s pursuit of the Champions League gives his campaign its clearest sporting measure.