French-Cameroonian star Kylian Mbappé gets Ramos’ backing ahead of El Clásico showdown

Former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has pledged to motivate Kylian Mbappé ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes El Clásico against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Mbappé, who has Cameroonian and Algerian roots, will be playing his first Clásico in Madrid colours as Los Blancos look to maintain their narrow two-point lead over Barcelona in La Liga.

The fixture marks the 262nd meeting between the two Spanish giants, and anticipation is at fever pitch in the capital.

Ramos, who featured in the famous rivalry 43 times during his decorated spell with Madrid, revealed he plans to speak to Mbappé before kickoff.

“You know very well that I am Real Madrid until death and I hope that Madrid wins, that my brother ‘Kyky’ plays a good game,” Ramos said.

“I will motivate him. I often speak with him — he is at the top level, and I hope he will have a great match and that the three points will stay at home.”

Madrid have not beaten Barcelona since a 3-2 home victory 18 months ago, but Mbappé’s red-hot form has renewed optimism.

The French forward has scored in eight consecutive matches under Xabi Alonso, who has praised his influence both on and off the ball.

“Not just the goals,” Alonso noted. “His positive influence on the team is almost as important. He’s always going to score goals — he’s done it everywhere. His vital and personal moment is very good.”

With Ramos offering moral support and Mbappé in exceptional form, Madrid will hope to reclaim dominance in Spanish football’s fiercest rivalry this weekend.