Mbappé defends Ballon d'Or ambitions and explains Ceuta shirt controversy in AS interview

Ballon d'Or campaign and Real Madrid focus

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé addressed his candidacy for the 2026 Ballon d'Or in an interview with journalist José Felix Diaz for the Spanish sports newspaper AS. Mbappé argued that his performance on the pitch serves as his primary case for the award, noting that while he can speak well in public, his feet remain his most effective advocate. He stated that his objective is to help his teammates and convince the voting journalists through his performances during matches. Mbappé emphasized that the individual prize belongs back with his club and its supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The most important thing for me is that the Ballon d'Or returns to Real Madrid; it is the best team in the world. It must return to the Bernabéu, to the Madridistas, to all those people, to give them hope. They deserve it more than anyone.

Response to Lamine Yamal and list of contenders

Mbappé also commented on statements made by Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who had previously told broadcaster Movistar that both players represent the two best in the world while asserting that his own season merited the prize. Rather than disputing who should win or comparing their achievements, Mbappé offered praise for the Spanish international.

I think he is a player of great talent and I have a feeling he will have a great career. I wish him the best.

The 30-player shortlist released by France Football in August includes several other competitors, such as Harry Kane, Rodri Hernández, Fabián Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Luis Díaz, and Achraf Hakimi. The nomination list also features four Portuguese players, specifically Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United along with Paris Saint-Germain trio Nuno Mendes, João Neves, and Vitinha.

Explanation of the Ceuta shirt tribute

The interview also addressed public scrutiny regarding a pre-match tribute before Real Madrid's 2-3 league win against Elche. Real Madrid had accepted a request from the Asociación Valenciana de Empresarios to wear shirts supporting the autonomous city of Ceuta following a mass border entry on 31 July. Mbappé, alongside teammates Vinícius Júnior and Konaté, did not display the shirt fully and was among the first to remove it after the initial team greetings. Mbappé explained his reasoning, stating that he intended to recognize all affected groups.

The first thing I want to say is that I have full solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims, because before being a player, I am a human being. But I also wanted to make a gesture and dedicate a thought to all the migrants who have lost their lives and who are also in harsh conditions.

He clarified that he holds no opposition to the residents of Ceuta and described a desire to avoid establishing a priority over human suffering during complex humanitarian situations.

Schedule and international milestones

The interview appeared on the eve of manager Zinédine Zidane announcing his first squad selection for the French national team. Mbappé enters the autumn period with 66 career goals for France, holding the all-time scoring record for the national team, alongside 22 goals in World Cup tournaments. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho oversees the forward's club campaign in Spain. Journalists voting on the Ballon d'Or have until 28 September to submit their selections before the award ceremony takes place on 26 October at the London Palladium.