Real Madrid might revert to an old strategy to help Mbappé win the Ballon d’Or.

Real Madrid might employ an old strategy to bolster Kylian Mbappé's chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or. According to the French newspaper *L'Équipe*, the club is reportedly planning to mobilize influential past and present figures to publicly campaign for him.

Having enjoyed a stellar individual season, Mbappé is a top contender for the Ballon d'Or. However, he faces stiff competition; Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal and English forward Harry Kane are also central to the conversation.

The strategy used to help Ronaldo win

The *L'Équipe* report notes that Real Madrid has a long-standing tradition of leveraging influential figures to build public opinion in favor of their preferred player ahead of the Ballon d'Or announcement.

The most notable example of this was the 2013 Ballon d'Or. That year, several influential figures associated with Real Madrid—including Alfredo Di Stéfano, Emilio Butragueño, Carlo Ancelotti, Iker Casillas, and Sergio Ramos—publicly backed Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo had not won any major team trophies that year. In contrast, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribéry had won the Champions League, the Bundesliga, and the German Cup, leading many to consider him the favorite.

However, while Real Madrid ran a united campaign for Ronaldo, Bayern failed to rally similar support for Ribéry. This was partly because another of the club's stars, Arjen Robben, was also being viewed as a serious contender.

Ultimately, Ronaldo won the vote, securing 27.99% of the total. Lionel Messi received 24.72%, while Ribéry garnered 23.36%.

The target this time: Mbappé

Mbappé, of course, is not relying solely on campaigning; he has strengthened his case through his on-field performances. However, as the Ballon d'Or vote draws closer, the voices of influential figures at Real Madrid advocating for him may grow even stronger.

Ultimately, however, a Ballon d'Or win cannot be secured through campaigning alone. Alongside Mbappé's performance, the seasons enjoyed by Yamal, Kane, and other rivals will play a crucial role in the voters' decision. It is on-field performance that will ultimately determine who lifts the 2026 Ballon d'Or.