Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has revealed his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or as he dropped the clearest hint yet that he is heading to Real Madrid in an interview with Spanish media. 

The 16-year-old sensation stunned Manchester United with a formal transfer request in September and is now on the verge of finalising his move to the Spanish capital.

Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed Madrid's growing confidence in securing the free-scoring starlet last month, with Gabriel now having secured a European Union passport through his mother's Cypriot heritage.

The youngster, who is currently working with a personal trainer in Madrid, practically confirmed the transfer in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca on Friday night, admitting he had a clear preference to Real over archrivals Barcelona.

'Obviously Madrid,' Gabriel told the outlet when asked which LaLiga giant he preferred.

According to the newspaper, who expects his move to be finalised in January, Gabriel's response prompted a laugh from his father and mentor Joe O'Cearuill.

'My dream is to win the Ballon d'Or,' explained the talented youngster, who scored a hat-trick for Manchester United in the UEFA Youth League just days before submitting his transfer request.

Although Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal narrowly missed out on winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or - which was held aloft by England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane - the two LaLiga giants have long had a rich association with the award, regularly producing the world's best footballer. 

While sources at United insist there has been no club-to-club contact, it appears only a matter of time before Gabriel is sporting Real Madrid's iconic all-white jersey. 

It is understood Gabriel will play for Madrid's Castilla team, which plays in Spain's third division, as well as in the Youth League. 

Gabriel broke a series of records playing for United youth teams, including becoming the youngest player to feature in the Under-18s. 

The prodigy, who was 14 when he netted twice on his debut, has also played - and scored - for Manchester United's Under-21 side.

The Red Devils were rocked in September when Gabriel and his representatives made a bombshell request to have his academy contract torn up. That request was immediately refused by United and, while there was faint hope that a compromise could have been found to keep him at Old Trafford, he has stayed away ever since. 

As Daily Mail Sport previously reported, United's decline since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson has been the driving force behind Gabriel's family seeking an exit. United have not won a Premier League title since 2013.

A source close to the family explained that United are 'far away' from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, as well as domestic rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, and that they want him to 'learn from the best' to maximise his talents.

His father has been described as a fiercely ambitious, pushy parent and is credited with the decision to get JJ out of United in an attempt to fast-track his career.