Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to give Kylian Mbappe major boost in 2026 Ballon d’Or race – report
The 2026 Ballon d’Or is shaping up to become one of the most closely fought in recent history, with at least three players in the reckoning.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe is one of the favourites for the award after an incredible individual season, with Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane also on the list.
Mbappe will ultimately have to win the Ballon d’Or on the strength of his own performances, but Los Blancos will not leave their superstar alone.
The club have repeatedly shown that when they believe one of their players should win the award, they know how to make that message impossible to ignore.
According to L’Equipe, Madrid have traditionally made historic Madrid figures publicly reinforce the argument in the weeks leading up to the award.
Cristiano Ronaldo provides the blueprint
The report points to Cristiano Ronaldo’s successful 2013 campaign as perhaps the clearest example.
Franck Ribery entered that race after winning the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup with Bayern Munich.
Ronaldo had not won a major team trophy that year, but Madrid strongly promoted his individual case.
Alfredo Di Stefano, Emilio Butragueno, Carlo Ancelotti, Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos were among the prominent Madrid voices who publicly supported Ronaldo.
Bayern’s situation was different. Ribery did not receive the same unified backing, partly because Arjen Robben was another candidate from the club.
Ronaldo eventually won with 27.99 percent of the vote, ahead of Lionel Messi on 24.72 and Ribery on 23.36.
Although some may deem it undeserved considering what Ribery had achieved, Ronaldo’s individual season made it impossible to look past him.
Mbappe could now receive the Madrid push
The Frenchman has already made his own case publicly, but Madrid can amplify it considerably.
When figures throughout an institution of Madrid’s size repeat the same message, it inevitably keeps their candidate at the centre of the conversation.
Of course, campaigning cannot manufacture a Ballon d’Or-winning season. Voters will ultimately judge Mbappe against Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and other leading candidates.
In a close race, though, Madrid’s push could tilt a few votes in Mbappe’s favour, and it remains to be seen how they go about it.
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.
