Mbappe and Real Madrid slammed for Ballon d'Or antics

Tom Weber

Updated: 30 Oct 2024 12:39 CDT
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Kylian Mbappe only coming sixth in the 2024 Ballon d'Or ranking is considered a major disappointment in France.

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Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris was overshadowed by Real Madrid boycotting the event. Vinicius Jr had long been the favourite to receive football's biggest individual award, but it was ultimately Man City midfielder Rodri who won.

The news that the Spaniard would scoop the prize caused outrage in Madrid (and Vinicius Jr's native Brazil) and Los Blancos subsequently decided not to attend the ceremony despite winning the Club of the Year award.

Neither Coach of the Year Carlo Ancelotti nor Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal - who came second, third and fourth, respectively - turned up in Paris. Even Kylian Mbappe, who came sixth, did not return to his hometown.

Mbappe and Real Madrid slammed

It is fair to say that Real Madrid's entitlement has not endeared the club to the French media, particularly to L'Equipe and Ballon d'Or hosts France Football.

Regarding the club's no-show, L'Equipe thundered: “Madrid lacked class and trampled on the value of sport which consists of respecting its winners.”

But the French outlet also had some choice words for Mbappe, whose sixth-placed finish is evidently considered a huge disappointment. In fact, for someone considered to be the best in the world, the 25-year-old has little to show for it, with his highest Ballon d'Or finish being third in 2023.

Pointing out that Mbappe turns 26 in December, L'Equipe jibed: "At his age, Lionel Messi already had four [Ballons d'Or]." The Frenchman did scoop the Gerd Muller Trophy (along with Harry Kane) for scoring 52 goals, but the French outlet described it as merely a 'consolation prize.'

Despite his absurd goal record, Mbappe failed to turn up in the decisive moments for PSG and France last season and there have already been signs of it again this term, with his horrendous El Clasico debut the most recent example.