Ballon d’Or: Mbappé at the Center of Speculation After an Unusual Real Madrid Decision

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on Monday, October 26, and several Real Madrid executives are expected to attend, according to L’Équipe. Their presence has drawn attention after the club boycotted the ceremonies in 2024 and 2025. Kylian Mbappé, who scored 42 goals in 44 matches for Real during the 2025-2026 season and was the 2026 World Cup’s top scorer with 10 goals, is among the favorites. The vote remains confidential, and there is no confirmation that he will win.