Mbappe has realised what he needs from Real Madrid to win the Ballon d’Or

Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick against Real Sociedad was the obvious headline, but there may be a more revealing story behind Real Madrid’s strong start to the season.

According to AS, the Frenchman and his teammates have bought into an idea Jose Mourinho has been trying to establish since taking charge: individual success means little without the team moving in the same direction.

Mbappe has never needed reminding of his responsibility in front of goal. 

His three goals in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad were another demonstration of that instinct, but the atmosphere around the squad is also beginning to attract attention.

According to the outlet, old disagreements appear to have been left behind, while the harmony seen during Madrid’s first two competitive matches has given Mourinho an encouraging platform to build on.

Mourinho has made unity a central part of his work with the squad, and the early response appears positive.

Real Madrid have no shortage of individual talent, but the Portuguese coach knows that will only take the team so far. 

Mbappe scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

A season filled with major competitions requires players to work for one another, particularly when the pressure begins to increase, and Mbappe appears to have understood that point.

For much of his career, the French forward has been judged primarily by the numbers he produces. 

Goals will always remain the central measure of a striker, but the game’s biggest individual honours are rarely separated from the achievements of the teams around them.

Simply put, Mbappe’s goals can help Real Madrid win, and Real Madrid winning can, in turn, strengthen his case.

Mbappe’s performance against Real Sociedad could hardly have come at a better moment.

The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced on October 27, with France Football expected to reveal its 30-man shortlist in the coming days. 

There is no universally accepted formula behind the award, and the debate around this year’s candidates remains open.

Mbappe and Real Madrid both need each other. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The World Cup could influence the vote, with Spain’s leading players likely to feature prominently after their success. 

Paris Saint-Germain’s continued Champions League achievements have also strengthened the credentials of several players.

Mbappe, though, is making sure his own name remains part of the conversation.

The Ballon d’Or may be an individual award, but Mbappe’s strongest argument will be built on what happens around him as much as what he does alone.

That is why Real Madrid’s early sense of togetherness matters.

The season has only just begun, and two matches cannot erase every question surrounding the squad. 

But Mourinho appears to have found a group willing to embrace his message, while Mbappe has started the campaign at full speed.