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Kylian Mbappé sidestepped the expected answers when asked which players he would bring to Real Madrid, instead naming three legendary club figures: Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo Nazário.
The star striker continued his media circuit ahead of the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, where he is eyeing the most coveted individual award in football. Mbappé once again expressed confidence in his own chances during an interview with AS, before shifting the conversation toward team matters.
There has been considerable discussion surrounding Real Madrid's summer transfer activity—and perhaps even more about the deals that never materialized. New boss José Mourinho brought in three defensive additions in Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, along with two attacking reinforcements in Yan Diomande and Carlos Espí.
The midfield, however, remained largely unattended. Los Blancos only managed to secure Bernardo Silva, while their pursuit of Rodri was derailed by Barcelona. The gaps in central midfield have already been glaring this season, yet rather than calling out a specific superstar the club should target in January or next summer, Mbappé chose a diplomatic route.
"Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, if they could come back," the Frenchman said when asked which players he would sign at Real Madrid.
"Cristiano would return. Zizou still plays a bit here and there. And Ronaldo... class never fades. They are Real Madrid legends. They gave so much to this club, and they still generate incredible passion among Madrid supporters."
Mbappe Turns the Spotlight on Current Teammates
It comes as little surprise that Mbappé would love to wind back time and share a pitch with three of the finest footballers to ever play the game. Yet he remains surrounded by exceptional talent at the Bernabéu—even if the results haven't fully reflected that.
Mbappé has now completed two full seasons alongside the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. When pressed on which teammate he has the stronger connection with, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward was deliberately evasive.
"They're very different players. They do completely different things on the pitch," he said. "In some aspects of the game, it's easier with Jude. In others, it's Viní, or Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Yan Diomande, Carlos Espí... Espí is going to score a lot of goals this season. He has a real instinct for the net."
Mbappé has linked up with every player he mentioned so far in 2026–27. Vinícius Jr, Bellingham, Güler, Díaz and Diomande have all contributed assists to the centre forward at various points.
Espí, meanwhile, was on the receiving end of a generous Mbappé pass that earned Real Madrid a crucial three points against Elche deep into stoppage time on Tuesday.
The attacking ingredients are undeniably in place for Mourinho's side to flourish, but his frontline must start converting more of their opportunities. Mbappé tops La Liga with nine big chances squandered this season, while Vinícius Jr is close behind with five.
Mbappe Sets Record Straight About Squad Tensions
Hearing Mbappé speak warmly about his teammates comes as a welcome relief for Real Madrid supporters after last season concluded amid a fractured dressing room. Reports from Spain indicated the squad had split into factions, with one half aligned behind Mbappé and the other behind Vinícius Jr.
Tensions were further inflamed when Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni became involved in a physical confrontation that left the Uruguayan requiring hospital treatment. Antonio Rüdiger also struck Álvaro Carreras at one stage during the campaign.
The atmosphere at the Bernabéu appears far more settled now than it was throughout 2025–26—and the shared objective of winning trophies endures, regardless of whether players are close friends or simply professional colleagues.
"We need to stay united and work toward a common goal, which is success and glory—whether that's for AS in your case or Real Madrid in mine," Mbappé said. "Are you friends with everyone at AS?
"This is more of an issue with the newer generation of fans, because social media magnifies everything. Someone doesn't shake hands, someone doesn't smile, and suddenly narratives are invented. That's just how it is. We understand how it works, and we try to stop people from believing things that simply aren't true. What matters most is Real Madrid."