The goals alone were not enough. Despite all his many goals, Kylean Muppee was forced to enjoy second place in the race for Golden Ball 2026, after English man Harry Kane, his dream died despite an extraordinary individual season for Real Madrid’s star.
Spanish newspaper Marca He investigated why the price continues to save Mbappes, arguing that the crucial factor has nothing to do with individual numbers. It all depends on the titles a player wins with his team and how well it adapts to the collective system.
The collective headlines are the secret
Marca believes that the last three winners of the Golden Ball — Rodri, Osmanie Demble and Harry Kane — all share a fundamental feature: trophies with their clubs, linked to the mentality of a player who puts the team first.
Overuse produced impressive goals. Real Madrid, however, simply did not give up the collective success the French attackers needed to strengthen his position.
The price may be individual, but as the paper points out, it increasingly reflects the collective spirit of the game. This was also true of Luke Modric and Carim Benzema in earlier editions, both crowned when the race was open.
The goals alone did not save Mbppen
Mbppe entered the race after leading the goal scorer’s list in the Spanish league and won the best goalist title in the Champions League, along with his splendor in the World Cup score.
None of this was enough, according to the newspaper. MarcaTo defeat rivals that combined individual splendor with collective success.
Marca He mentioned the 2025 edition, when Mbppe finished seventh despite winning the Golden Shoe, falling behind Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Liverpool players. The newspaper felt that these clubs had developed better seasons than Real Madrid and had won important titles.
Kane, winner of 2026, did not rely solely on goals. It can build games and establish ties with teammates, the paper noted, increasing its value within the collective system.
A Dream Not Ended at Real Madrid
Mbahpe did not hide his disappointment after losing to London. However, there is still time to continue following him with Real Madrid’s fan.
The newspaper recalled that the French star had finished fourth in 2018, newly acquired from the World Cup with France after Luke Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Greezmann.
Another imminent failure occurred in 2020, when he scored 30 goals and provided 18 assistings for Paris Saint-Germain, only to cancel the price because of the coronavrus pandemic.
Marca closed with a decision: The Golden Ball race is a marathon, and Mbppe still has time to achieve his goal. He simply needs to link his individual numbers to the collective achievements of Real Madrid, turning ambition into a real crown. /Telegraphy/