Mbappé confirms attendance at 2026 Ballon d'Or, Real Madrid ends boycott

Kylian Mbappé will indeed be present at London Palladium on Monday evening for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The Real Madrid striker and captain of the France national team is among the major favorites for the most prestigious individual award in world football.

The Frenchman’s participation also marks the end of Real Madrid’s boycott. The Madrid club had refused to send a delegation at the previous two editions, notably in 2024 after learning at the last minute that Vinicius Jr would not win the trophy, which ultimately went to Spaniard Rodri. This time, the Whites have chosen to make the trip to London.

Mbappé, who arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024, has not hidden his ambitions in recent weeks, proclaiming himself the best positioned to lift the trophy. He can rely on solid statistics: top scorer in La Liga, the Ligue des Champions and the 2026 World Cup.

The defending champion, Ousmane Dembélé, will also be present at the ceremony despite a thigh injury that is currently keeping him off the pitch. The PSG striker made the trip to London despite his club simultaneously playing a match against Lyon. Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal, also cited among the favorites for this 70th edition, will also make the trip to the British capital.

On the other hand, the presence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains uncertain: the Georgian must undergo surgery on his knee cruciate ligaments. Similar uncertainty surrounds Marquinhos, PSG captain, who is also injured.