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 News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
