Nacho with the Spanish Super Cup trophy
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s difficult start to the season has been marked by several concurrent issues, including Vinicius Jr.’s lack of form, the team’s lack of identity, and possibly even Kylian Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or-focused mindset.
With all the internal turmoil, Los Blancos are simply not able to perform to their level on the field and have already lost six points in La Liga alone.
Several pundits have attempted to break down the single-biggest reason for Real Madrid’s poor start to the season, for there should be no viable excuse given the names in the dressing room and the revolutionary transfer window they pulled off.
Nacho’s detailed talk
Real Madrid legend and former captain Nacho Fernandez spoke at length with El Larguero in a recent interview, where he touched on the club’s current struggles, his departure from Real Madrid, and his former teammates.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal
Nacho had only praise for Ronaldo. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
The defender first opened up about his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and how the Portuguese star was redefining standards by performing at an exceptional level at his age.
“What Cristiano is doing is from another planet.”
“Reaching that age and still competing like this is crazy,” he added.
Remembering his final days at Real Madrid and how he left the club as a UEFA Champions League winner, just before the team’s slump began, Nacho said,
“It was impossible for it to end better.”
“Captain, La Liga, Super Cup, Champions League, Cibeles, and my last game was a Champions League final,” he adder.
The former player also stated that he was not surprised by Jose Mourinho returning to the club and praised the coach for his ability to lead the team.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Nacho backed Mourinho’s appointment. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“He is a winner and knows how to get teams back on track.”
“After two difficult years, I was not surprised Real Madrid brought him back,” he added.
Nacho was also asked who his pick for the Ballon d’Or would be, to which he said,
“If I had to vote, I would choose Mbappe.”
“Every year he is faster, scores more goals and is a physical beast,” he added.
Finally, he was asked about Vinicius Jr. and how the player is now facing serious wrath at the hands of fans.
“Vinicius is being treated in a way he doesn’t deserve.”
“I know him personally. He is the one who works the most,” he concluded.
Kylian Mbappe makes second push for Ballon d’Or: ‘My competitive soul would be hurt’
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s start to the new season has not been great, with the club suffering two defeats in La Liga and escaping several other scares before the first international break of the campaign.
Kylian Mbappe, however, has seemingly been paying more attention to the Ballon d’Or race than the team’s on-field performances, for his interviews on why he deserves to win the award have been far more passionate than his talks on the team’s struggles.
After a record-breaking season with Real Madrid last year, the player is one of the contenders to win the accolades. His failure to win a single title with club or country, however, works against him.
To fortify his case and improve his chances, he has been regularly talking about the Ballon d’Or in recent interviews, even proclaiming that he is the deserved winner for this year.
“I would vote for myself to win the Ballon d’Or,” he claimed strongly.
Mbappe’s second push for the Ballon d’Or
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Rodri of Manchester City holds his ballon d'or award prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
The award Mbappe dreams of. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
In a recent interview with RFI, the Real Madrid star once again heavily campaigned for the Ballon d’Or and made it clear why he felt he was a deserving candidate to win the individual accolade.
“I had a great year individually, and that’s the top criterion for the Ballon d’Or,” he began, pushing his individual numbers as the biggest factor in his favour.
Mbappe then stated how he was the top scorer in all major events in the season, further attempting to push his case for the award.
“I was the top scorer of all big competitions.”
Moving past hope and arriving at a stage of belief that he will be rewarded for his numbers, Mbappe then said,
Mbappe is only one of the many candidates. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
“I’m feeling good about the Ballon d’Or this year, I think this could be the right year for me.
“I would be disappointed if I didn’t win it,” he added.
Finally, Mbappe explained what he meant by disappointment and why he would see it as a big defeat if he was not proclaimed the winner.
“I am a competitor, and when a competitor loses, he is sad.
“My competitive soul would be hurt!” he concluded.