The 2026 Ballon d'Or put Harry Kane on top, but the victory was used by Real Madrid TV to reignite the rivalry with FC Barcelona. After the trophy presentation in London, the official channel of the Merengue club broadcast a special program, “Real Madrid Conecta”, which highlighted the individual distinctions and announced the successor to Ousmane Dembélé in the first men's team.
During the show, the hosts initially expressed skepticism about the preliminary lists of the winners, saying that names of supposed winners had been broadcast when they were not actually selected. They then praised Kane's victory, while questioning why the gala was being held in London for the first time. Despite the irony, the channel congratulated the English player, recalling that Real Madrid had already won the last Clasico against Barça.
The central point of the show was the comparison between Real Madrid's performance in the last Clasico and Kylian Mbappé's second place in the Ballon d'Or. Mbappé, who finished just behind Kane and Lamine Yamal, was unable to be present to receive the trophy, fueling controversy in China after his comments about Mao Zedong on “The Bridge”. According to FootMercato, two Chinese sponsors suspended their partnership with the player following this controversy, which added tension around his role at the club.
Closing the show, Real Madrid TV recalled the club's recent victory at the Camp Nou pitch, highlighting that Real had triumphed in the Clasico and that Harry Kane was now Ballon d'Or. This statement was seen as a direct dig at Barça, reminding Catalan supporters that the Merengue had won victory over their rival while Mbappé remained away from the coronation.
In the future, Real Madrid will have to manage the Mbappé situation while consolidating their image after the Clasico success, while Barça will have to respond to this provocation and prepare for their next clash against the Merengues.