Mbappe reacts after beating PSG duo to win Onze d’Or 2026: ‘Gives me a lot of motivation’

Kylian Mbappe has won the Onze d’Or 2026 after an outstanding season with Real Madrid, securing almost half of the votes cast by fans to finish comfortably ahead of Paris Saint-Germain duo Joao Neves and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

As per the information, more than two million votes were counted on the Onze Mondial website, with the French forward collecting 48.2% of the total. Neves finished second with 11.9%, while Kvaratskhelia received 10.8%.

The result adds another individual honour to Mbappe’s growing collection after a campaign in which he scored more than 40 goals for Real Madrid and delivered a record-breaking World Cup performance.

Already regarded as a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or, Mbappe spoke about the significance of the recognition, the influence of supporters and the players whose achievements have shaped football history.

For Mbappe, however, the award was about more than individual statistics.

He described it as recognition for the work he had put in throughout the season and an incentive to continue improving.

“It’s a pleasure to be recognised. It’s a reward for the work put in all year long, and it gives me a lot of motivation to continue and do even better.”

Asked whether winning an award decided by fans gave it additional significance, the Frenchman highlighted the relationship between players and the people who watch them.

“Certainly, because, ultimately, fans play an important role in football today. And I believe that, in part, we play to entertain the fans. ”

“So, knowing that you’ve managed to provide more entertainment than anyone else is always satisfying.”

Mbappe was also asked about following in the footsteps of iconic figures such as Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona.

The forward welcomed the association, emphasising the lasting influence those players had on the game.

“These are great players. They are players who have left their mark on their era, who have always made an impact wherever they have been.”

“And, naturally, joining such a group, alongside players of such high calibre, is always a pleasure,” he noted.

The recognition comes during a season that has strengthened Mbappe’s standing among football’s leading individual performers.

His goal return for Real Madrid has kept him in the Ballon d’Or conversation, while the fan-voted nature of the Onze d’Or offers a separate measure of his appeal among fans.

Away from the awards and statistics, Mbappe offered a more personal revelation when asked whether he had a secret to share.

His answer concerned an unusual habit involving his football boots, one he admitted had followed him since childhood despite having access to custom-made footwear.

“A secret about me? There are a million secrets about Kylian! The whole point of a secret is that you don’t reveal it, right?”

“A football secret… I have a really bad habit. It’s not a good thing to do, but I do it anyway: I play without insoles.”

“So, to all the kids out there: don’t take out your insoles! Keep them in! I made the mistake of doing that when I was a kid, and I’ve played without insoles ever since I was little.”

“Even though I have the best boots now, and there’s absolutely no reason for me not to use insoles, it’s just that old reflex from my days in Bondy: I still take them out, even in my custom-made boots,” he concluded.