Ballon d'Or 2026: Nacho Fernández backs Kylian Mbappé

The Real Madrid legend has made his choice

Ballon d'Or Today at 09:17

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Ballon d'Or 2026: Nacho Fernández backs Kylian Mbappé

Former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernández has chosen Kylian Mbappé as the leading favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Asked about the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or during an interview with Journal du Real, Nacho Fernández did not hesitate when naming his favorite. For the Real Madrid legend, Kylian Mbappé is the chosen one. “I see it clearly. For me, if it’s a Real Madrid player or a player from the Spanish national team, I’ll be happy. I don’t mind if it’s a Barça player, because I played with them and I won the European championship with them. If I had to vote? If I had to vote, I would choose Mbappé. As a defender, I see that every year he is faster and more prolific; he is a physical beast,” he said.

🚨 Nacho: "The Ballon d'Or? If I had to vote, I would choose Kylian Mbappé. Every year he is faster, scores a lot of goals and is a physical beast." pic.twitter.com/xnsjWhOC7T
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) September 22, 2026

Nacho also came to Vinicius Jr.’s defense. The Brazilian has been particularly criticized since the start of the season: “If I were Real Madrid’s coach, I would want to have both of them. Vinícius has been receiving treatment lately that he does not deserve. Vinícius has won a lot at Real Madrid and has given a great deal to Real Madrid. All players have periods when they can fall below their usual level. Besides, I know Vinícius personally, and I have no doubt that he is the one who works the hardest, that’s for sure. We have to find the right formula so that both of them are at their best when the most important part of the season arrives.”

In his conclusion, the former Real Madrid captain issued an appeal to the supporters: “I would really like these boos to turn into applause. I encourage people to stand by Vinícius, for what he has achieved in the past and for what he still has to accomplish.”

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.