Real Madrid has earned Kylian Mbappe’s attention by being referred to as a “Ballon d’Or machine”. Before agreeing to a new deal with PSG through 2025, Mbappe was the focus of heated transfer rumours, but he hasn’t ruled out a move to the Bernabeu in the future.

The Parisian striker made the Ballon d’Or shortlist last season after scoring 39 goals in 46 appearances; Karim Benzema is the overwhelming favourite to win the award.

Regarding Real Madrid, what has Mbappe said?
Mbappe stated that when considering his future and how Real Madrid may assist him in achieving it, he did take Ballon d’Or achievement into consideration.

“If I thought about the Ballon d’Or while deciding my future?,” he said to France Football. Indeed, without a doubt. Real Madrid deserves to be acknowledged as a machine for winning the Ballon d’Or. There is actual expertise. But these accolades aren’t given to you by the clubs.”

In addition, he made a joke about how he would cease thinking about it forever if he were Karim Benzema and he didn’t win the prize this year.

“Benzema favourite for the Ballon d’Or?” he continued. Of course. At thirty-four, he has just finished a phase of his life. By being resolute, he also won the Champions League. If I were Karim, I would never worry about this award again if I didn’t win (laughs).

One day, will Mbappe be signed by Real Madrid?
After his current contract expires, Mbappe hasn’t ruled out moving to the Spanish champions. “Never over, never over,” he said to the BBC when they questioned if he could still pull off his dream move. “You never know what the future holds.

“I give up to think about the future, I only think about the present and the present is I signed a new contract for three years more at Paris Saint-Germain.”

Mbappe will just be 26 years old at the conclusion of his current contract, giving him plenty of time to enjoy football elsewhere, should he so choose.

When his previous contract was about to expire, the forward acknowledged that he had negotiations with Liverpool, but nothing came of them.

Who are the nominees for the 2022 Ballon d’Or?
This year, thirty players have been nominated for the honour; among them are Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema.

Along with former striker Sadio Mane, Liverpool’s new-look front three of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz were nominated. Six-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo was there as well as Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne.

But for the first time since 2005, neither Lionel Messi, the winner of last year, nor his teammate Neymar were nominated.