Kylian Mbappe faces a season of major challenges at Real Madrid in pursuit of a top trophy and the Ballon d’Or

Kylian Mbappe’s third season in Madrid begins under a blunt expectation: win a major trophy or face failure. At Real Madrid, the French forward is pursuing LaLiga, the Champions League, or both, while also chasing the Ballon d’Or.

The 27-year-old returned to Real Madrid on August 14 after his summer break. He will be at the center of attention when the club begins its Champions League campaign against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu.

His previous season ended with France’s defeat by England in the World Cup third-place match, a 6-4 result, on July 18. Mbappe then disappeared into the Miami night before taking what the article describes as a well-earned holiday.

Now the pressure has returned with him. Le Figaro presents the season as a turning point for a player at “the biggest club in the world,” where the demand is not merely for strong performances but for a trophy that defines the campaign. The article also points to the pressure of titles, the Ballon d’Or race and José Mourinho’s return as factors shaping Mbappe’s new season.