Asked about the Ballon d’Or race during an interview with Journal du Real, former Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernández did not hesitate when naming his preferred candidate. The Spanish defender made his position clear, throwing his support behind Kylian Mbappé while also speaking at length about Vinícius Júnior and the criticism the Brazilian has faced in recent weeks.
For Nacho, Mbappé has all the qualities required to win football’s most prestigious individual award.
“I see it very clearly. For me, if it is a Real Madrid player or someone from the Spanish national team, I will be happy. I would not mind if it were a Barcelona player either, because I played alongside some of them and we became European champions together,” Nacho explained.
When directly asked who would receive his vote, however, the former Real Madrid centre-back had no doubts.
“If I had to vote? If I had to choose, I would pick Mbappé. As a defender, I can see that every year he is becoming faster and more prolific. Physically, he is an absolute beast.”
It was a strong endorsement from a player who knows Real Madrid extremely well and spent years competing against some of the best forwards in world football. In Nacho’s eyes, Mbappé’s physical qualities, efficiency in front of goal and constant progression make him a major contender for the Ballon d’Or.
The former Madrid captain also took the opportunity to defend Vinícius Júnior, who has come under heavy criticism since the beginning of the season. Nacho rejected the idea that Real Madrid should have to choose between Vinícius and Mbappé, insisting that both players can be essential to the team.
“If I were Real Madrid’s coach, I would want both of them in my team,” he said. “Vinícius has been receiving treatment recently that he does not deserve. He has won a lot with Real Madrid and has given so much to the club.”
Nacho also pointed out that every footballer experiences difficult periods and stressed that Vinícius remains one of the hardest-working players he has encountered.
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Kylian Mbappé has been EXTREMELY vocal about the Ballon d’Or over the past two weeks.
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) September 23, 2026
Kylian Mbappé has now mentioned the award in SIX different media appearances since September 7:
🎙️📝 Sept 7: Says this could be a “good year” to win it and points towards his World… pic.twitter.com/WJycyktZGW
“All players have moments when they are below their best level. I also know Vinícius personally, and I have no doubt that he is the one who works the hardest. That is certain. The important thing is to find the right formula so that both he and Mbappé can reach their best level at the most important stage of the season.”
Finally, Nacho sent a message directly to the Real Madrid supporters, urging them to support Vinícius rather than turn against him.
“I would really love to see those whistles turn into applause. I encourage the fans to stand by Vinícius, both because of everything he has already done for Real Madrid and because of everything he still has left to achieve.”
Nacho’s comments therefore carried a double message: strong backing for Mbappé in the Ballon d’Or race, but also a clear appeal for patience and support toward Vinícius, whom he still considers a fundamental figure in Real Madrid’s present and future.
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