Kylian Mbappé has designated the UEFA Champions League as his primary target for the season with Real Madrid, even as he officially entered the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The French forward made his comments after scoring in Los Blancos’ 2–1 victory over Inter Milan, launching a new quest to secure his first European title in a Real Madrid shirt.
“The Ballon d’Or is one of my goals, but the Champions League is more important because I am playing for my dream club, and I want to win it in Madrid more than anything else,” Mbappé stated.
His remarks coincided with France Football’s announcement of the final nominee list, which features standout names including Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, Rodri, and Harry Kane, ahead of the winner’s reveal on October 26 in London.
Expressing confidence before the Inter fixture, Mbappé addressed his chances for the award, saying: “It is an award every player wants, and I think this is a suitable year to win it, but I don’t know if the votes will be fair to me.”
Lamine Yamal, one of his main competitors for the award, offered a contrasting tone: “I think I have a great chance because I had a fantastic year, but I won’t launch a campaign or beg to win anything.”
Mbappé presents a formidable individual case after finishing as top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the FIFA World Cup last season, reaching an overall total of 58 goals and 14 assists for club and country, despite ending the campaign without a major team trophy.
He has carried that form into the current season, scoring 4 goals in his opening 4 La Liga matches before adding a 5th against Inter, bringing his overall Champions League tally to 71 goals and equaling Raúl González for fifth place on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
