Kylian Mbappe was called ‘childish’ and ‘pathetic’ after his comments about the Ballon d’Or caused a stir.
Real Madrid and France star Kylian Mbappe has been called “childish” and “pathetic” by World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry after Mbappe’s recent remarks about the Ballon d’Or. With just a month until this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, Mbappe feels this could be his year to win.
Last season, Mbappe scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid but has never won the award. His best finish was third place in 2023, behind Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.
Before Real Madrid’s big Champions League game against Inter Milan, Mbappe sounded confident. He said, “Playing for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, makes people link me to the Ballon d’Or. I’ve made history in the most important competition, so maybe this is a good year. But people can vote however they want. I always think I’m the best, but everyone has their own opinion. It’s not a big discussion to have.”
In another interview with France Football, Mbappe said, “I feel like I can win it this year, so I’m not giving up on that.”
However, some didn’t like Mbappe’s words. Christophe Dugarry, who played 55 times for France and won the World Cup in 1998, said, “Asking for an award like that in public is childish and pathetic. There’s nothing great about it, especially as captain. Football should be about the team, sharing success, and working for trophies together—not just individual awards.”
Many players are in the running for the Ballon d’Or, including Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, who scored 73 goals last season. Young star Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi are also among the candidates, along with players from Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League-winning squad.
Talking again with France Football, Mbappe said, “Who do I vote for? For myself. But I get that others might choose differently; we’re not living in a dictatorship of opinion.” He added, “Looking at the competition, I don’t think it would be unfair if I won.”