Kylian Mbappe has confirmed he will not attend the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, despite being among Europe’s most prolific forwards last season.
The Real Madrid striker scored 44 goals in all competitions and topped the La Liga scoring charts in his debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But Mbappe understands his personal numbers are not enough to justify winning the Golden Ball after Los Blancos finished the season without a major trophy.
“To win it, you have to win things,” Mbappe told CBS Sports following Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League win over Marseille on Tuesday night. “I have to help my club win trophies, and after that, we’ll see.”
The France captain added he would skip the gala and instead watch the ceremony from home.
Who Mbappe wants to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or
Mbappe revealed he is hoping to see his France teammate and Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele crowned as the world’s best player.
“I will be happy if Dembele wins because he is my friend, and I have supported him from the start. I will watch it on TV and hope that he wins it,” Mbappe said.
Dembele has emerged as the Ballon d’Or favourite with football betting sites after a stunning year with PSG, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists as the French champions completed a historic treble — Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League.
While Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are considered close contenders, Dembele’s role in PSG’s long-awaited European triumph has made him the frontrunner.
The only blemish came in December’s Club World Cup final, where Chelsea beat the Parisians 3-0.
Real Madrid Ballon d’Or boycott
Mbappe’s absence adds fuel to speculation that Real Madrid could extend their Ballon d’Or boycott.
Last year, no Madrid player attended the ceremony after the club felt Vinicius Junior was unfairly overlooked, with Manchester City’s Rodri ultimately taking the prize.
The Ballon d’Or remains the one major individual honour missing from Mbappe’s glittering CV, though he insists he is already targeting the 2026 edition.
Mbappe eyes 2026 Ballon d’Or
Despite missing out this year, Mbappe has started the 2025-26 campaign in blistering form. He has scored six goals in five appearances across La Liga and the Champions League, firing Real Madrid to a perfect start.
With more silverware on the line, Mbappe knows success with Madrid could finally put him in pole position for the Ballon d’Or next year.
“Winning trophies is the only way,” he said.
Madrid return to action on Saturday with a home clash against Espanyol as Mbappe looks to keep his scoring streak alive.
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