Kylian Mbappe says winning the Champions League with Real Madrid is his biggest ambition this season, putting the club’s pursuit of European success ahead of his personal desire to win the Ballon d’Or.
The France international has made an impressive start to the 2026-27 campaign, scoring in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan during the opening round of the league stage.
Mbappe, who joined the Spanish giants with ambitions of competing for the biggest prizes in club football, has now made clear where his priorities lie.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, the Real Madrid striker acknowledged that the Ballon d’Or remains an important target for him. However, he said lifting the Champions League trophy with the Spanish club would mean more.
“It is one of my goals. I said that yesterday about the Ballon d’Or, but the truth is that the Champions League is more important, because I play for the team I love.”
Mbappe then underlined just how strongly he wants to deliver European glory for Real Madrid.
“I want to win the Champions League in Madrid more than anything,” he said.
The comments highlight the Frenchman’s desire to achieve success with the team rather than concentrate solely on individual recognition. While the Ballon d’Or remains among his objectives, Mbappe considers the Champions League to be the greater prize because of what it would mean for Real Madrid.
Mbappe explains Mourinho’s impact
Mbappe also discussed Jose Mourinho, offering an insight into the Portuguese coach’s approach to managing players.
The French forward described Mourinho as a manager capable of creating a particularly strong emotional response among his players, while also demanding a high level of effort from them.
“He makes you feel alive, energetic and special,” Mbappe said.
He added: “He is someone who puts a lot of pressure on you, and makes you work intensely.”
According to Mbappe, Mourinho’s hunger for success can have a powerful effect on the players working under him. The striker explained that the intensity created by such a coach motivates footballers to meet those expectations.
“When you have a coach like that, so hungry for success, you never want to let him down, and you want to give your best.”
Mbappe’s comments come as he continues to build his reputation at Real Madrid and strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or.
The forward has already enjoyed a productive period at both club and international level, with his performances for Real Madrid and France contributing to his credentials for the individual award.
His international record has also continued to grow. Mbappe has strengthened his standing in World Cup history after a notable spell with France, becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer and moving beyond Lionel Messi in the rankings.
Strong beginning to Real Madrid season
The Frenchman’s form has also been evident in the early weeks of the new Spanish season.
Mbappe has made five appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, scoring five goals in 450 minutes. Four of those goals have come in the Spanish League, while the other came in the Champions League against Inter Milan.
That scoring record has given him an immediate influence as Real Madrid pursue domestic and European honours.
The club’s next league assignment will come against Rayo Vallecano in the fifth round of the Spanish League.
Real Madrid are scheduled to host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday, 12 September 2026, with kick-off set for 10:00pm Mecca time.
For Mbappe, the match will provide another opportunity to continue his strong start. But his comments make clear that his ambitions extend beyond personal statistics.
The Frenchman wants to establish himself among the game’s elite, with the Ballon d’Or remaining an important objective. Yet, when it comes to what he wants most in a Real Madrid shirt, Mbappe has made his choice clear: European glory with the Spanish giants comes first.
