Real Madrid hosted Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu for their Champions League opener, but the evening began with UEFA recognising two of the club's standout performers. Ahead of kick-off, the Spanish giants were presented with individual accolades celebrating their continental excellence from the previous season.
The pre-match ceremony included tributes to victims affected by recent disasters in Nepal and China, alongside vocal support for Ceuta from the Bernabéu faithful. UEFA then shifted focus to rewarding individual brilliance. Arda Güler, the Turkish playmaker, collected the award for best young player of the 2024-25 Champions League, a recognition rooted in his two-goal performance against Bayern Munich during the quarter-final exit. The 18-year-old arrived in casual attire, having been suspended from the Inter Milan fixture.
Mbappé Claims Top Scorer Prize
Kylian Mbappé followed Güler to receive the Champions League's top scorer award, cementing his dominance across European football. The French forward netted 15 goals in 11 matches last season, a tally no other forward approached. This continental honour complements the Pichichi he won in La Liga during the 2025-26 campaign, establishing Mbappé as one of football's most prolific strikers across multiple competitions.
Former Real Madrid legend Luís Figo presented both awards, adding historical weight to the occasion. The ceremony highlighted Real Madrid's ambition this season despite their quarter-final elimination by Bayern Munich preventing European silverware last term. With Mbappé and Güler leading the charge, Los Blancos aim to reclaim their position among Europe's elite and mount a serious title challenge in this year's competition.
