Mbappé backs Real Madrid work rate and talks up Ballon d’Or glory

Kylian Mbappé has defended his work rate and that of Vinícius Júnior as Real Madrid prepare to open their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan, while admitting that 2026 could be a strong year for him to win the Ballon d’Or. According to ESPN, Mbappé acknowledged that Madrid’s forwards still need to improve defensively but rejected comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona’s Raphinha.

The France captain enters the new season after scoring 10 goals at the World Cup and becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals. He said playing for Real Madrid naturally puts him among the Ballon d’Or contenders, although the final decision rests with journalists.

Mbappé also dismissed suggestions that Madrid’s dressing-room atmosphere has deteriorated, backing new coach José Mourinho to inspire the squad. Madrid suffered their first LaLiga defeat of the season against Real Betis on Friday, with Mbappé missing a late penalty.