Real Madrid News
Mbappe makes huge Ballon d’Or claim: ‘I’d vote for myself, making history should always be rewarded’
With the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony getting closer, the debate about who should win football’s most coveted individual honour is heating up once again.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe once again finds himself in the conversation for the Golden Orb after yet another fine campaign on an individual level, despite not winning any major trophies.
On the opposite side, he finds himself going up against the likes of Rodri and Lamine Yamal, who won the World Cup with Spain and also enjoyed success at the club level.
Mbappe would vote for himself
In an interview with L’Equipe, Mbappe has made a huge claim about the Ballon d’Or, stating that he would vote for himself after making history with his goals for both club and country.
“I would vote for myself to win the Ballon d’Or,” he claimed emphatically.
On whether the lack of Champions League success had put greater distance between himself and the Golden Orb, Mbappe stated:
“No. I’m convinced that I can win it this year, so I haven’t taken any distance from it.”
Mbappe makes his case
Making a case for why he considers himself as a deserving contender for the prize, the Real Madrid and France megastar explained:
“Of course. I see it as an individual award. People look at what the player has contributed individually.
“Then some say I haven’t won titles, but I haven’t seen a Ballon d’Or awarded unanimously that meets all the conditions every time.
“Has it ever been awarded with 100% of the votes? That means there’s always someone who thinks the winner doesn’t deserve it. From that point, I’m not saying I’ll win it unanimously.”
Mbappe created history by becoming the first player in men’s football history to win consecutive World Cup Golden Boots, securing his first in 2022 (eight goals) and his second in 2026 (ten goals).
Furthermore, With 22 goals in total in the tournament, he surpassed Lionel Messi (21 goals) and Miroslav Klose (16 goals) to become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history.
As such, he added: “But I believe I have the arguments: to be the all-time top scorer in the World Cup, and to surpass all the legends of the sport in the most important tournament this sport has ever created.”
“That’s something that sticks in people’s minds, it’s a global event. To finish as the top scorer in the most important competition where the world’s best players participate is a big deal.
“I don’t know if that’s ever been achieved before, but the principle says that making history should always be rewarded.”
Concluding, he added: “I’d vote for myself. But I can understand those who vote for someone else. We’re not in a dictatorship of thought.
“But when I look at the arguments, and when I look at the competition, I look at myself and say: Yes… it wouldn’t be stealing.”
Mbappe’s sentiments echo that of Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who also stated that the Frenchman should be a top contender for the Ballon d’Or after making history last season.
After all, apart from his heroics at the World Cup, the forward also scored 42 goals for Real Madrid last season, finishing as the top scorer in La Liga for a second consecutive season, and the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
