Mbappe: Dembele Deserves the Ballon d'Or, and This is My Pick for the Champions League
Sunday 07-09-2025
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe appeared in a press interview dedicated to the Telefoot program, which is broadcast every Sunday in France, discussing various topics and issues.

Mbappe said: "Returning to the national team? Yes, it is special because we are coming back to France in a new season. There is a big adventure ahead, the 2026 World Cup. So, this qualification is a special moment. We are fully aware and determined."

He added: "Many of us want to become world champions. Many of us were there in 2022. This shows that there are many people who want to wear this jersey. We want to win this tournament, which is very special. We want to finish the competition by winning it."

Regarding his physical condition: "I feel good. I had a vacation. I was able to work well. I returned with clear ideas, both in the club and the national team. The season has just begun, and we must maintain continuity. I want to continue doing well."

He continued: "I had more time to prepare for the season; I didn't have that in recent years. I feel fine. I'm happy to be here. I fully absorbed my transfer to Real Madrid; it has always been my dream to play here. Spain inspires me with a lot of respect, and I feel lucky to be there. My goal is to give my all and show my best version."

About Xabi Alonso's project and what he likes most about it: "There is a lot of clarity about what he wants. Xabi is very strict. He has ambition and shows his ambition. He is a young coach. We have already seen improvements in ball play. We will all work to be in the best conditions to achieve the goals."

Regarding receiving the number 10: "I was on vacation. The club had the idea to give me the number; they called me. I said, 'Okay' (laughs). It's that simple."

On his pick for the Ballon d'Or: "Ousmane Dembele deserves it. For me, yes. I hope he wins the Ballon d'Or. I have supported him from the beginning. After that, we will see what happens. Because it doesn't depend on us. There are votes. Achraf Hakimi will also be in a good position because of everything he has shown; he had a historic season. Yamal, he is from Barcelona; we can't say anything (laughs). He is a very good player."

He emphasized: "For me, I dream of winning the Ballon d'Or, of course; it is on everyone's mind. But it comes through having a good collective season. If I win titles and have a good season, I want to win it too. Now, I will do my best to help the team and win titles."

Regarding Didier Deschamps' departure after the World Cup: "We must give him the best possible exit. He is a symbol in French football. You don't stay this long in France if you don't have great results. Now, he knows better than I do that leaving is more important than everything he has done. We must try to ensure he leaves in the best possible way and give him the third star."

He concluded about his pick for the Champions League: "I always say that Real Madrid is the favorite to win the Champions League. But there are many good teams in Europe, very many. We saw that last year was amazing with the new format of the Champions League. This year will be better. It will be exciting to see who triumphs in the end."

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