Mbappe leaves 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony with an unexpected golden keepsake

Kylian Mbappe was given a small commemorative gift after the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, prompting some social media users to suggest the gesture was mocking the Real Madrid forward after he missed out on the award once again.

Mbappe attended Monday evening’s ceremony hoping to win the most prestigious individual prize in football for the first time in his career. His case was strengthened by a standout personal season in which he finished as the leading scorer in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.

However, the award went to Harry Kane, the England and Bayern Munich striker. Mbappe finished second, with award officials saying the margin between the two players was narrow.

As Mbappe left the event, a girl approached him and presented him with what appeared to be a miniature golden ball, according to a widely circulated video.

The Frenchman accepted the gift and posed for a photograph with her. Some followers on social media, however, interpreted the moment as ridicule directed at Mbappe following his failure to claim the Ballon d’Or.

The ceremony took place in London on Monday evening, with Kane collecting the prize ahead of Mbappe.

A fixture listing associated with the article also showed Real Madrid scheduled to face Racing Santander in La Liga on 01 November 2026.