Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has expressed his desire to see the Ballon d’Or return to the Santiago Bernabéu, saying the club’s supporters deserve another opportunity to celebrate the prestigious award.
The France international made the remarks in an interview with Diario AS on Thursday, where he spoke about his ambition to help restore the individual honour to Real Madrid.
“I really want the Ballon d’Or to return to Real Madrid,” Mbappé said. “It needs to come back to the Bernabéu, to the Madridistas, to return for all those people and give them something to be excited about. They deserve it more than anyone.”
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, also acknowledged that he has a strong chance of challenging for the award this year.
The forward, however, said his performances rather than his statements would determine whether he deserves to win.
“In my opinion, this is a good year to win it,” he said. “My feet are my best advocates, more so than anything I might say!”
The 27-year-old has made no secret of his ambition to establish himself as one of the leading players in world football, with the Ballon d’Or among the major individual prizes he is targeting during his Real Madrid career.
Mbappé also spoke positively about Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, praising the youngster’s talent and predicting a successful career for him.
“Lamine Yamal is a very talented player, and I have a feeling he’s going to have a great career,” Mbappé said. “I wish him all the best.”
His praise for Yamal comes despite the fierce rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the young Spaniard having emerged as one of the most prominent talents in European football.
For Mbappé, the immediate objective is to contribute to Real Madrid’s pursuit of major trophies while strengthening his own case for the Ballon d’Or.
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