{
  "id": 8029104,
  "title": "I want Ballon d’Or back at Madrid – Mbappé",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/i-want-ballon-dor-back-at-madrid-mbappe",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T13:38:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/i-want-ballon-dor-back-at-madrid-mbappe/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "French forward Kylian Mbappé has expressed his desire for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award to return to Real Madrid. In an interview with Diario AS, the 23-year-old Frenchman stated his wish to give Madridistas a reason to celebrate once again. \"I really want the Ballon d’Or to return to Real Madrid,\" Mbappé declared. \"It needs to come back to the Bernabéu, to the Madridistas, to give them something to be excited about. They deserve it more than anyone.\"\n\nMbappé also commented on his own chances of winning the award, emphasizing that his performances on the pitch should speak louder than any words. \"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!\"\n\nThe comments highlight Mbappé's ambition to join the ranks of football's elite after joining Real Madrid. The player also paid tribute to Barcelona's promising youngster Lamine Yamal, predicting a bright future for the talented teenager. \"Lamine Yamal is a very talented player, and I have a feeling he's going to have a great career,\" Mbappé stated. \"I wish him all the best.\"\n\nDespite the fierce rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Mbappé's comments demonstrate his recognition of Yamal's growing influence in the sport. For Mbappé, however, the immediate focus remains clear: helping Real Madrid compete for the most coveted trophies while putting himself in the running for the highly coveted Ballon d’Or.",
  "summary": "Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé says he wants the Ballon d’Or to return to the club, stating his performances on the pitch are his best advocates. Read More: https://punchng.com/i-want-ballon-dor-back-at-madrid-mbappe/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Espi winner rescues Real Madrid after Elche comeback",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/espi-winner-rescues-real-madrid-after-elche-comeback",
        "published": "2026-09-15T21:42:31.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Kylian Mbappé scores, sets up winner as Real Madrid top Elche",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/kylian-mbappe-scores-sets-up-winner-as-real-madrid-top-elche",
        "published": "2026-09-15T22:38:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Le Monde English",
        "title": "Mbappé, Vinicius and Konaté partially hide Ceuta message before Real Madrid match",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/mbappe-vinicius-and-konate-partially-hide-ceuta-message-before-real",
        "published": "2026-09-16T12:31:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "I want Ballon d’Or back at Madrid – Mbappé",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/i-want-ballon-dor-back-at-madrid-mbappe-8032574",
        "published": "2026-09-17T13:55:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}