Real Madrid are expected to attend this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony regardless of whether Kylian Mbappé wins the award, according to José Félix Díaz. The reported stance marks a contrast with 2024, when Madrid did not attend after learning that Vinícius Júnior would not receive the prize.
Mbappé is among the nominees after an outstanding 2025-26 campaign in which he scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid. Despite his personal output, Madrid finished the season without a major trophy, placing added emphasis on the club’s pursuit of silverware this term.
The France captain has made clear that the Champions League is his priority over the Ballon d’Or. Speaking after Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan, Mbappé said that winning Europe’s biggest club competition with the side he calls his “dream club” is what he wants most.
“I want to win the Champions League here in Madrid, I want it more than anything,” Mbappé said. “The Ballon d’Or is a great opportunity, but the Champions League is even more important.”
Mbappé opened the scoring against Inter after 14 minutes, converting a pass from Brahim Díaz following an Inter defensive error. Federico Valverde added Madrid’s second before Carlos Augusto pulled one back late for the visitors.
The goal was Mbappé’s 71st in 99 Champions League and European Cup appearances, moving him level with Real Madrid great Raúl in joint-fifth on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
Mbappé has also had to contend with criticism from sections of the Bernabéu crowd alongside Vinícius Júnior. José Mourinho defended both players after they were booed, comparing them to fruit trees that attract attention because they produce.
“People want a piece of the fruit tree,” Mourinho said, arguing that Madrid supporters’ demands reflect the high standards attached to the club’s leading players. Mbappé’s response, however, remains focused on results: personal recognition would be welcome, but collective success—particularly a Champions League triumph—is the overriding objective.
