Mbappé's Ballon d'Or 2026 campaign causing friction at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé’s public campaign for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is not unanimous at Real Madrid. According to journalist Tracy Rodrigo, L’Équipe’s correspondent in Spain, journalists and supporters close to the Madrid club disapprove of the French striker’s media appearance, in which he clearly made his case in an interview with L’Équipe.

“There are very honestly journalists, Real Madrid supporters, who are not entirely happy with Kylian Mbappé’s statement,” Rodrigo said on Monday. She clarified the grievances raised: “They think it’s a bit much and that, given that he hasn’t won a title with Real Madrid, that in the important months, for example in La Liga from February to the end of La Liga, there are only two goals scored, it must be remembered, all of that, they think about it.”

This context contrasts with the more discreet approach adopted by Ousmane Dembélé, the defending champion since 2025. The Paris Saint-Germain player has also launched his campaign in recent days, but in a much more subtle manner. The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set for October 26, when the winner will be informed of his victory at the very moment of receiving the trophy — a rule introduced since the 2024 edition.

The race remains wide open. Among the names most regularly cited are Mbappé, Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lionel Messi, Fabian Ruiz and Rodri. No clear favorite emerges, and the coming weeks of competition could still reshuffle the deck before voters render their final verdict.