Kylian Mbappe has been scoring goals for fun for both Real Madrid and France over the past few years.
Unfortunately for him, though, those goals have not necessarily translated into success for his teams in terms of trophies.
There has been some criticism over whether Mbappe is detrimental to the team’s success, but the Frenchman has vehemently dismissed those claims.
In a wide-ranging interview with L’Equipe, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Mbappe has opened up on several major subjects surrounding him and Madrid.
Mbappe makes his Ballon d’Or case
Mbappe did not hide his belief that his performances deserve football’s biggest individual prize.
“I have the idea that I can win it this year. It is part of my objectives, and in the short term too. There is not long to go,” Mbappe said.
“Objectively, I can understand those who vote differently. There is no dictatorship of thought. But when you analyse the arguments and the competition, it would not be unfair. Nobody had a better season than me last season,” he continued.
Mbappe believes the award should ultimately recognise exceptional individuals rather than simply following collective success.
“I have always believed that the Ballon d’Or should reward a different player. Of course there is a collective component and it is important because football is a team sport. But it is an individual trophy,” he explained.
Mbappe has backed himself for Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“And my idea of the Ballon d’Or is from the Messi and Ronaldo era. They never give it to ordinary players, but to different players. I think I did different things this year. That is why I believe I can win it.”
Praise for Lamine, Guler and Endrick
Asked about emerging players, Mbappe highlighted Lamine before also mentioning two of his Madrid teammates.
“Among the young players, I like Lamine Yamal. He has everything. I like Estevao; he has special creativity. Here, Arda Guler can go very far.
“Endrick has potential; he is a goalscorer. Warren Zaire-Emery and Desire Doue are going to have great careers, for sure,” Mbappe said.
Mbappe was equally relaxed about being whistled at the Bernabeu.
“These things happen. Do you know how many players have been whistled in Madrid? They are all still alive, right?
“When you sign for Madrid, you know what you are getting into. It does not affect me too much. I understand the fans expressing their dissatisfaction,” he said.
Mourinho and the challenge of PSG
Mbappe also offered a strong endorsement of Mourinho.
Mbappe has nothing but praise for Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“He is very intelligent. His intelligence impressed me, but it does not surprise me. You do not become Mourinho if you are not like that. He knows what he is doing and where he is going,” Mbappe said.
“For footballers, it is important to have a path to follow. With him, we have everything to do things well.”
On PSG, Mbappe was full of praise for his former club and believed they were the team to beat.
“They are the team to beat. Madrid and all the other teams have the idea of dethroning the team that has won twice,” he concluded.
A defining season for Mbappe
While the lack of trophies last season may eventually end up costing Mbappe the Ballon d’Or, the upcoming season could be defining for the Frenchman.
Mbappe and Mourinho have the enviable task of bringing silverware back to Madrid, and the latter will need the former to help him.
The Frenchman has started the season in tremendous form, scoring five goals in five games across all competitions.
It remains to be seen how Mbappe fares and whether he ends up winning the Ballon d’Or in the coming years.
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