‘I could play dumb’ – Mbappe has a message for Real Madrid critics

Updated: 7 Sept 2026 13:20 BST | 4 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

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Kylian Mbappe has hit back against claims that he does not defend enough to win the Ballon d’Or, with the Real Madrid attacker left bristling at comparisons to Raphinha or Ousmane Dembele.

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When Mbappe moved to Los Blancos from PSG, it was believed that winning the game’s biggest individual prize would be a natural target for him, yet it has remained out of the reach of the Frenchman, who saw former PSG team-mate Dembele win the gong last year.

With the 2026 award due to be presented on 26 October, it is once again a hot topic of debate, with Mbappe among the favourites along with Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembele once more.

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Kylian Mbappé

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Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé

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Real Madrid

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€90.5M - €150.9M

“I always consider myself a contender, but it's something very personal, and everyone has their own opinion. It's not a debate you have to have because not everyone can think like me. This year could be a good year for me to win the Ballon d’Or, but it's the journalists who will vote,” he told the media when asked about his ambitions for winning the prize.

“I think that when you play for Real Madrid, you're naturally associated with this type of award. Of course, many people talk to me about the Ballon d’Or when I see them on the street, and that's very positive. Of course, I've made a lot of history in the most important competition in this sport, and I have good feelings, but people have the right to choose.”

Mbappe has a sharp response to Real Madrid critics

Mbappe was asked about his defensive involvement for Madrid along with that of team-mate Vinicius Jr, and replied in a spiky fashion.

“Just me and Vinicius?” he said. “Of course we have to improve, and that's natural for us as players.

“I could play dumb and say that I score more goals than them [Raphinha and Dembele] and that I do things they don't, but it's a never-ending debate. I think that with the ball we have to do more things better, and that's what life is like for a top-level team.”

Meanwhile, the dynamic around Real Madrid has changed this season with the assurance that Vini Jr will be with the club for the long term following his new contract. Previously, there had been uncertainty over his future as he had just one year left on his deal and there was interest from the Saudi Pro League and Arsenal.

“The idea that Vinicius and I aren't compatible is just one more opinion among the millions that exist about Real Madrid because it's the biggest club in the world. We can't control all the opinions, and that's why we focus on what we can control, which is trying to win every game,” Mbappe said.

“I have a more team-oriented vision. I'm not focused on singling out three players from the squad. It's perfectly normal for that to happen, and for journalists to do it because that's what sells, and it's normal, but I'm not involved in that.”