Mbappé ranks Champions League above Ballon d'Or after scoring in Real Madrid's win over Inter

Kylian Mbappé declared the Champions League his foremost personal ambition this season after scoring Real Madrid’s opener in a 2-1 victory over Inter, using his post-match platform to rank the trophy explicitly above the Ballon d’Or.

The France international, set up by Brahim for the opening goal, told CBS Sports Golazo that while he views the Ballon d’Or as a genuine opportunity this year, winning the Champions League with Real Madrid — the club of his dreams, in his words — is what he wants above all else. According to Marca, he added that there is nothing he wants more than lifting the trophy in Madrid.

The declaration carries particular weight given the gap in Mbappé’s CV at 28. He has never won the Champions League, and Marca notes that it stings him to be reminded that Paris Saint-Germain lifted the trophy in the two most recent editions without him in the squad. That context appears to have turned the pursuit into something close to an obsession.

Mbappé had been equally direct in the pre-match press conference, telling reporters — as relayed by Marca — that the squad wants to achieve something special and become a collective capable of competing with the best teams in Europe. He acknowledged that last season’s Champions League campaign was difficult for Real Madrid, but insisted the club must always aim for the top.

He also spoke about working under José Mourinho, describing the manager as someone who makes players feel alive and applies considerable pressure and intensity in training. Mbappé said Mourinho communicates constantly about his expectations, and that when a coach gives that level of trust alongside that level of demand, players do not want to let him down.

Marca noted that Mbappé was not especially sharp in front of goal beyond his finish against Inter, but by his own framing, reaching his target this season depends less on individual brilliance than on Real Madrid functioning as a genuine collective against Europe’s elite.