Real Madrid News
Official: Kylian Mbappe nominated for FIFA’s The Best award
FIFA has officially released its 11-man shortlist for “The Best” Men’s Player award for the 2025 season, with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe named as one of the nominees.
Mbappe’s nomination comes after one of the most explosive debut seasons in Real Madrid history.
Following his long-awaited arrival in the summer of 2024, the Frenchman immediately established himself as the most lethal forward in European football.
A brilliant debut season for Mbappe
While Real Madrid had a transitional year in terms of team trophies, Mbappe’s individual brilliance was undeniable.
He finished the 2024/25 La Liga campaign with a staggering 31 goals, comfortably securing the Pichichi Trophy as the league’s top scorer.
Those 31 goals also earned him the 2024/25 European Golden Boot for the first time in his career, cementing his status as the continent’s most prolific finisher.
He became only the third player in Real Madrid history to win the prestigious award, joining club legends Hugo Sanchez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Across all competitions, Mbappe concluded his first season in white with a phenomenal 44 goals.
His inclusion on “The Best” shortlist was a formality. After being presented with the Golden Boot just last week, Mbappe will hope to add another feather in his cap, though the competition is going to be tough.
It must be noted that Mbappe is only Real Madrid player nominated in the shortlist, with no other teammate even coming close to be considered, including his attacking teammate Vinicius Jr and midfield superstar Jude Bellingham.
Mbappe, though, has emerged as arguably the best player in the new season and is mounting a real challenge for the Ballon d’Or next year, provided Real Madrid can win titles this season.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
