Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe has made no secret of what he wants from this year’s Ballon d’Or, and he wants the prize back at Real Madrid.
Speaking to AS, the Frenchman addressed the award ahead of an in-depth interview due to be broadcast later today.
Mbappe enters the conversation as one of the leading contenders after beginning his third season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But rather than focus on his own case, he framed his ambition around what winning the award would mean for Madrid.
Mbappe wants the Ballon d’Or back in Madrid
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Mbappe is one of the contenders to win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Mbappe believes this could be the right year for him to claim the individual prize, although he was quick to point towards his performances rather than his words when assessing his chances.
“My view is that this is a good year to win it. My feet are my best advocates, no matter how much I say. The most important thing for me is that the Ballon d’Or returns to Real Madrid.
“It must return to the Bernabeu, to the Madridistas; it must return for all these people to give them hope. Those people deserve it more than anyone else,” he says.
Mbappe addresses Lamine Yamal rivalry
One of the players standing in his way is Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, who has emerged as another major name in the Ballon d’Or discussion.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Mbappe has once again strengthened his candidacy. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Mbappe was complimentary when asked about the teenager, refusing to turn the award into a personal rivalry.
“I think he’s a hugely talented player and I have a feeling he’s going to have a great career. I wish him all the best,” he said.
As stated before, this brief exchange is part of a much bigger conversation.
As per the outlet, Mbappe also discussed Florentino Perez, Jose Mourinho, his decision to join Real Madrid, his relationships with Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, and the Madrid derby, but those discussions will be released later by the Spanish publication.
Florentino Perez to visit Ceuta as Real Madrid address fallout from shirt controversy
Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
According to MARCA, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will travel to Ceuta on Friday for an institutional visit, with honorary president Jose Martinez Pirri and Emilio Butragueno also expected to accompany him.
The trip comes days after the club found itself at the centre of discussion over its players’ handling of shirts supporting Ceuta before the Elche match.
The visit gives Perez an opportunity to make the club’s position clear through its institutional presence rather than another statement.
Perez will meet Ceuta president
As such, Perez is scheduled to meet Juan Jesus Vivas, president of the Autonomous City of Ceuta, during his stay.
The meeting is expected to focus on Real Madrid’s relationship with the city and the club’s support for Ceuta.
Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid players
Some Real Madrid players refused to wear the Ceuta shirt. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)
Pirri’s presence is particularly notable given his connection to the city, where he was born and raised before becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Real Madrid’s history.
For what it is worth, Real Madrid supported the initiative, but the players ultimately made individual decisions over how they wore the shirts.
Notably, the likes of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate were among those who did not fully display the message.
Mbappe subsequently addressed his decision, making clear that it was not intended as a rejection of Ceuta or its people.
Real Madrid want focus back on the club’s position
Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid
Florentino Perez has planned an institutional visit to Ceuta. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s position, as described in the reports, has been that supporting the initiative and allowing players to make their own choices are not contradictory.
Perez’s trip therefore carries an institutional purpose.
Rather than allowing the controversy around individual gestures to define the club’s stance, the Real Madrid president will meet Ceuta’s leadership in person.
Simply put, the significance of Friday’s visit is less about the players’ brief interaction with the shirts and more about what comes next.