Real Madrid officials are positioning two of their stars as primary candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, contingent on their national teams securing a World Cup victory. Kylian Mbappe, leading the French squad, has demonstrated exceptional form in the tournament. He currently holds the top spot for the Golden Boot, having tallied eight goals alongside three assists. France is set to challenge Spain in the semi-finals.
Simultaneously, Jude Bellingham has become a focal point for England, netting two goals in their 2-1 victory over Norway to reach a total of five goals. The English side is scheduled to meet reigning champions Argentina in the next stage. Reports from El Debate indicate that the club feels a victory for either England or France should guarantee the individual award for their respective player. This stance follows the precedent set when Rodri surpassed Vinicius Junior for the 2024 prize, a decision widely attributed to Spain’s victory in the European Championship.
