Mbappe puts Real Madrid Champions League glory above Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

Real Madrid started their pursuit of La Decimosexta with a narrow 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Bernabeu in their first match of the 2026-27 Champions League. Kylian Mbappe starred once again for Los Blancos, as he opened the scoring on the way to a crucial three points in the club’s bid to become European champions again.

Mbappe has yet to win a major trophy since joining Real Madrid two years ago. He’s desperate to end this barren streak, telling CBS Sports Golazo that he is equally as keen to finally win his first Champions League title with the Merengues.

“It is very important for me to win the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. I want it more than anything, we want to achieve extraordinary things. We want to be a group and a team capable of competing with the best teams in the world. We know that last year was a bit difficult for us in the UEFA Champions League, but at Real Madrid you must always be at the top. I hope we compete this year as a team and a group to reach the place we want to be.”

Prior to the Inter match, Mbappe made it clear that he sees himself in a good position to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, although he would forego that achievement to finally claim a Champions League winner’s medal.

“This is the goal. I said it yesterday about the Ballon d’Or, but the UEFA Champions League is more important to me because I play for my dream club. It is very important for me to win the UEFA Champions League here in Madrid, I want it more than anything, but of course the Ballon d’Or this year I think is a big opportunity for me, it has been a good year for me, but we will see what happens.”

Mbappe reveals what Mourinho brings to Real Madrid

Mbappe was asked by CBS about life under new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho. He admitted that it’s been tough at times, but also very rewarding.

“I think the first thing Mourinho gives you is that he makes you feel alive. He makes you feel energetic in your work, and he makes you feel like a special person. He is a coach who puts a lot of pressure. He brings a lot of good things both on and off the pitch, but he also applies a lot of pressure. He is very intense in training and talks a lot with the players. We know where he wants to go, and we know what he wants from us and what he expects from us. When the coach gives you this confidence and creates within you this sense of responsibility, you don’t want to let him down, and you want to give your best.”