Mbappé Says Dembélé Deserves the Ballon d’Or | My Top Pick for the Champions League Winner
Kylian Mbappé Lauds Dembele’s Ballon d’Or chances and Shares Champions League Insight.
Real Madrid phenom Kylian Mbappé was featured in the recent edition of France’s Telefoot program and discussed his thoughts on the upcoming 2026 World Cup and his physical condition, as well as his dreams with both Real Madrid and the French national team.
On coming back to the France team, Mbappé said:
"Yes, it’s special. We’re beginning a new season with France and looking at a grand adventure that the 2026 World Cup will be. This is a one-off situation and we are determined to go through.”
Mbappé emphasized the collective goal:
“A lot of us we still want to be world champions again. We who were part of the 2022 World Cup success are also excited to accomplish even more. "We are so proud to get to wear this jersey and we want to go on and end the tournament by holding the trophy.
Fitness and Real Madrid Ambitions
Mbappé conceded he's feeling the best he ever has in his career after his summer:
"I feel great. I was able to rest and get ready for the season, which I haven’t had the past few years. The Real Madrid move has always been my dream. Spain makes me feel what I feel, and I’m going to work hard and give my best.”
He also lauded the work of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid:
“Xabi knows exactly what he wants. He’s ambitious and demanding, and we have already seen improvements in ball play. We want to work together and make this a good season.”
In terms of wearing the No 10 shirt, Mbappe said:
«The club proposed it to me when I was on vacation, and I said 'yes' (laughs). That’s it!"
Ballon d’Or Favorites
On who he would pick for the Ballon d’Or 2025 if not for himself, Mbappé declared for Ousmane Dembélé:
"Ousmane Dembele deserves it. “I support him from day one and hope that he wins. Achraf Hakimi had a memorable season, but will be in a decent situation as well. There’s also Yamal to Barcelona who is a great player" (laughs).
of his own aspirations, he said:
“Obviously, I dream of winning the Ballon d’Or. So it’s been rooted in having a really good team season. I will try to help the team win titles — that’s the first step to this individual award.”
On Didier Deschamps’ Future
Mbappé addressed the possible departure of Didier Deschamps post-World Cup:
We have to give him the most dignified exit we can. He is an icon of French football, and departing after winning so much should be celebrated. We hope to assist him to continue to run on a high with the third star.”
Champions League Prediction
On the 2025 Champions League winner Finally, the 2025 Champions League winner was – Mbappé:
I always say that Real Madrid is the favorite, but there are lots of great teams in Europe. Last year’s new Champions League format was amazing and this year’s will be even more exciting. "It’s going to fun to see who comes out on top.”
