Real Madrid News
Mbappe has realised what he needs from Real Madrid to win the Ballon d’Or
Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick against Real Sociedad was the obvious headline, but there may be a more revealing story behind Real Madrid’s strong start to the season.
According to AS, the Frenchman and his teammates have bought into an idea Jose Mourinho has been trying to establish since taking charge: individual success means little without the team moving in the same direction.
Mbappe has never needed reminding of his responsibility in front of goal.
His three goals in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad were another demonstration of that instinct, but the atmosphere around the squad is also beginning to attract attention.
According to the outlet, old disagreements appear to have been left behind, while the harmony seen during Madrid’s first two competitive matches has given Mourinho an encouraging platform to build on.
Mourinho’s message is starting to resonate
Mourinho has made unity a central part of his work with the squad, and the early response appears positive.
Real Madrid have no shortage of individual talent, but the Portuguese coach knows that will only take the team so far.
A season filled with major competitions requires players to work for one another, particularly when the pressure begins to increase, and Mbappe appears to have understood that point.
For much of his career, the French forward has been judged primarily by the numbers he produces.
Goals will always remain the central measure of a striker, but the game’s biggest individual honours are rarely separated from the achievements of the teams around them.
Simply put, Mbappe’s goals can help Real Madrid win, and Real Madrid winning can, in turn, strengthen his case.
A hat-trick at the right time
Mbappe’s performance against Real Sociedad could hardly have come at a better moment.
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced on October 27, with France Football expected to reveal its 30-man shortlist in the coming days.
There is no universally accepted formula behind the award, and the debate around this year’s candidates remains open.
The World Cup could influence the vote, with Spain’s leading players likely to feature prominently after their success.
Paris Saint-Germain’s continued Champions League achievements have also strengthened the credentials of several players.
Mbappe, though, is making sure his own name remains part of the conversation.
Mbappe and Madrid need each other
The Ballon d’Or may be an individual award, but Mbappe’s strongest argument will be built on what happens around him as much as what he does alone.
That is why Real Madrid’s early sense of togetherness matters.
The season has only just begun, and two matches cannot erase every question surrounding the squad.
But Mourinho appears to have found a group willing to embrace his message, while Mbappe has started the campaign at full speed.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
