Mbappe gesture fuels Ballon d’Or speculation ahead of London ceremony

Kylian Mbappe has intensified speculation over the outcome of the 2026 Ballon d’Or after appearing to acknowledge that he will win the award at Monday’s ceremony in London.

A video published by DAZN spread across social media after Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona. In the footage, Mbappe is speaking to comedian Radwan Bougraba, who asks him: “Will you win tomorrow?”

The Real Madrid forward responds with a gesture which many supporters interpreted as confirmation that he knows he has been chosen as the winner.

Mbappe’s case has gained further momentum after he scored both of Real Madrid’s goals in the Clasico. His performance has made him the focus of attention in the final hours before the prize is presented, although the result has not been officially announced.

The ceremony remains shrouded in uncertainty despite intense examination of the potential clues surrounding this year’s award. Real Madrid’s return to the event, after boycotting it in 2024, and the presence of several leading contenders have added to the debate without producing a definitive conclusion.

Harry Kane is relying on his statistics with Bayern Munich, while Lamine Yamal has strengthened his claim through his performances for Barcelona and the Spain national team.

However, Pascal Ferre, the former president of the Ballon d’Or, reminded listeners on RMC that shortlisted players are no longer told the result before the ceremony.

“Since 2024, winners have no longer been informed of their fate before the ceremony, and they are all in the same position,” Ferre said. “When they arrive at the ceremony hall in London, none of them will be able to raise their arms in triumph in front of the others because they do not know the result.”

Mbappe’s gesture therefore remains open to interpretation, with the Ballon d’Or winner due to be revealed in London.

The schedule information accompanying the report lists Barcelona in La Liga action on 31 October 2026, when they are due to face Deportivo Alaves. It also lists the La Liga fixture between Racing Santander and Real Madrid on 1 November 2026.