Real Madrid have four players on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist, Iván Zamorano has offered an optimistic assessment of José Mourinho’s team, and Marco Materazzi has revisited his former manager’s departure from Inter. Elsewhere, Lamine Yamal and Gerard Piqué have both had things to say about Madrid and refereeing.
Here is today’s roundup.
Four Real Madrid players nominated for the Ballon d’Or
Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior have been named among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Paris Saint-Germain have the largest
contingent with 10 nominees, while Madrid and Bayern Munich each have four representatives.
The full shortlist:
- Jude Bellingham — Real Madrid
- Pau Cubarsí — Barcelona
- Marc Cucurella — Real Madrid
- Ousmane Dembélé — PSG
- Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United
- Luis Díaz — Bayern Munich
- Erling Haaland — Manchester City
- Gabriel Magalhães — Arsenal
- Harry Kane — Bayern Munich
- Achraf Hakimi — PSG
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — PSG
- Lamine Yamal — Barcelona
- Sadio Mané — Al Nassr
- Marquinhos — PSG
- Lautaro Martínez — Inter Milan
- Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid
- Lionel Messi — Inter Miami
- Nuno Mendes — PSG
- Michael Olise — Bayern Munich
- João Neves — PSG
- Julián Quiñones — Al-Qadisiyah
- Willian Pacho — PSG
- Declan Rice — Arsenal
- Rodri Hernández — Barcelona
- Ferran Torres — PSG
- Fabián Ruiz — PSG
- Dayot Upamecano — Bayern Munich
- William Saliba — Arsenal
- Vinícius Júnior — Real Madrid
- Vitinha — PSG
Lamine Yamal responds to questions about Madrid and refereeing
Speaking at Barcelona’s press conference before their match against Feyenoord, Yamal was asked about Real Madrid and refereeing.
“If Real Madrid haven’t won in two years, that’s their problem. We’re happy with the refereeing. That’s a question for them. I see them happy.”
Piqué joins the refereeing debate
Gerard Piqué also weighed in after a TikTok user referenced his handball against Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semi-final and suggested there was “only one way for FC Barcelona to win.”
The former Barcelona defender responded by defending his club’s football and record of success.
“Well @mrvdm… Yes, there’s only one way for Barça to win, and that’s by playing great football. That’s why we’re known. We’ve won many leagues, many Champions Leagues, and many trebles by playing great football,” Piqué said.
He then cited Predrag Mijatović’s goal against Juventus in the 1998 Champions League final and Sergio Ramos’ goals in the finals against Atlético Madrid, alleging offside decisions had benefited Madrid.
“So, there are usually a lot of refereeing mistakes. Historically, they’ve always gone a little bit more in favor of Real Madrid. So anyway, I hope you’re well, a big hug and enjoy your day,” he added.
Zamorano sees encouraging signs under Mourinho
In an interview with AS, former Real Madrid and Inter striker Iván Zamorano backed Mourinho to build a competitive team during his second spell at the Bernabéu.
“I think the players are gradually adapting to what the manager wants. And above all, I see a footballing transition that I find incredibly interesting. Real Madrid will surely be fighting for the championship until the very end this year. I think they have a very good squad, with many options in every position, and Mourinho is already instilling a lot of order, a lot of concentration, and a sense of teamwork.”
Zamorano acknowledged that Mourinho has inherited a very different squad from the one he coached during his first stint, but believes his familiarity with the club’s demands will help.
“He knows its history, he knows the dressing room, he knows what it means, what the responsibilities are when you arrive at Madrid. And I see that he has the strength to instill it in the team, to play well, and to try to reach the top. I, for one, am an optimistic man and I have a lot of faith that this year can be a great year.”
Mbappé’s importance and Espí’s different profile
Zamorano also defended Mbappé following Madrid’s defeat against Real Betis, describing the Frenchman as a player who will remain central to the team’s prospects.
“Despite having some off days, Mbappé will always be a solution, a game-changer, with goals and individual brilliance. Mourinho and Real Madrid will need him a lot throughout the year.”
“Against Betis, I think the team didn’t deserve to lose; the defeat was undeserved, but it happens, so we can’t give up. Important matches are coming up; we have to bounce back.”
The former striker was particularly interested in what Carlos Espí can offer as a conventional number nine. He highlighted Espí’s ability to provide an outlet, occupy the penalty area, and attack crosses.
“And he’s 1.93 meters tall, he has the physical stature to be a focal point and give the team a bit more breathing room when they’re struggling to play out from the back. He’s an interesting player, he’s very clinical in front of goal, which is fundamental for a team like Real Madrid.”
“He can be a solution when teams sit deep; he’s a penalty-box striker, he heads the ball very well, he finishes very well, as he showed the other day with the goal that was disallowed.”
A difficult test against Inter
Looking ahead to the meeting between his two former clubs, Zamorano praised Cristian Chivu’s Inter and pointed to their comeback from 0–2 down against Napoli as evidence of their quality.
“They’re going to fight at the Bernabéu; they’re not a team that sits back when playing away, they play the same way everywhere. It’s going to be difficult for Real Madrid; the difference will come down to small details. Both teams have a lot of individual talent. I think we’re going to see, in my opinion, the best match of this first phase of the Champions League.”
The fixture also carries personal significance for Zamorano, who reflected warmly on both chapters of his career.
“Many important things happened that helped me grow immensely as a player and as a person, and that’s why I’m always grateful for my experiences at Real Madrid and Inter; they are two clubs with a rich history. I look back and feel very proud to have played for those two teams. When they face each other, it’s going to be very emotional. I just want to enjoy it, nothing more.”
Asked whether Madrid should be considered among the favourites to win the competition, his answer was emphatic.
“Yes, absolutely Real Madrid is a favourite to win the Champions League. After everything that’s happened these last two years, I think this can be a great year. I feel it, I see it on the pitch. You always have to consider them one of the favorites to win the Champions League. They’re the kings of that competition, Real Madrid always have to be there.”
Materazzi on Mourinho, Florentino, and that farewell
Marco Materazzi, meanwhile, spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about Mourinho’s relationship with Florentino Pérez and the responsibility he expects the Portuguese coach to assume in Madrid.
“I know the relationship he has with Florentino, the great confidence he has in José. So much so that he has given him back the reins of Real Madrid, and José will do what he does best: assume all the responsibilities, become the sole figurehead.”
Materazzi also revisited their emotional farewell before Mourinho left Inter for Madrid in 2010, offering one detail about what was said during their embrace.
“What we said to each other, apart from my ‘Fuck you, you leave us with Benítez’, will remain between us forever.”
