Kylian Mbappe has revealed that he deserves to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or, after a stunning season which has seen him set a new goalscoring record.
This feat has seen the Frenchman surpass Just Fontaine as the top French scorer in a single domestic and international season.
In a post-match interview, Kylian Mbappe was asked after his match-winning performance whether he feels he is in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.
The award is meant to be given or awarded on October 30 and the parameters of the award have changed to be more focussed around the “individual performance and the decisive and impressive character of the contenders.”
Mbappe whilst speaking to TF1, said: “It’s always difficult to talk about an individual trophy, because you have to put yourself forward on your own and that’s something that doesn’t necessarily pass in the eyes of the general public.”
“The new criteria, it’s about burning eyes, it’s someone who has had an impact… I think I correspond to these criteria, so I would say…yes. But we’ll see.”
Mbappe-led France extended their lead at the top of Euro qualifying Group B to six points, and Les Bleus now have four wins from four games.
France manager Didier Deschamps praised his team for coming back from their heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Argentina.
Deschamps speaking to TF1 said: “We win games, and we keep winning them.”
“Although we could have put the game to bed, because we never know what could have happened in the dying minutes.”
“The season was very long for them [the players]. They were craving for holidays, but we did what needed to be done to win this game.”
“I’m very happy with what the players showed in this difficult period.”
“There was less experience than six months ago [for the World Cup], but there is quality. I’m very proud of what they did.”
Aside from Mbappe, other contenders for the Ballon d’Or are Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Vinicius Junior.
Spain’s Rodri is another player who some have identified as a worthy candidate after winning the UEFA Nations League to add to Manchester City’s treble.
Karim Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d’Or, while Alexia Putellas took the Ballon d’Or Feminin.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe Lottin is a French footballer who was born on December 20, 1998 and captains the France national team in addition to playing for PSG.
The Frenchman is regarded as one of the top players in the world and is well known for his shooting, dribbling, and outstanding speed.
Mbappé earned his senior debut for France in 2017 at the age of 18 on the international stage.
Mbappé became the second teenager, after Pelé, to score in a World Cup Final at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also became the youngest French player to score at a World Cup.
When France won the competition, he finished as the joint second-highest scorers, and for his efforts he was awarded the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player and French Player of the Year awards.
France made it to the FIFA World Cup final in 2022, where Mbappé set a record for most goals ever scored in a World Cup final while also winning the Golden Boot and Silver Ball.
Ballon d’Or 2023 Power Rankings:
The race for the 2023 Ballon d’Or is coming to a close, with some of the world’s best footballers vying to succeed 2022 winner Karim Benzema in lifting the Golden Ball in Paris on October 30.
Here, Futballnews looks at the Ballon d’Or 2023 Power Rankings:
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- In 2022-23: 38 goals, 25 assists. Won World Cup, Ligue 1 & Trophee des Champions.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- In 2022-23: 53 goals, nine assists. Won Champions League, Premier League & FA Cup.
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
- In 2022-23: 53 goals, 14 assists. Won Ligue 1.
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
- In 2022-23: 24 goals, 25 assists. Won Copa del Rey, Club World Cup & UEFA Super Cup.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
- In 2022-23: 10 goals, 32 assists. Won Champions League, Premier League & FA Cup.
Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
- In 2022-23: 13 goals, seven assists. Won Champions League, Premier League & FA Cup.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
- In 2022-23: 31 goals, five assists. Won Serie A.
Rodri (Manchester City)
- In 2022-23: Four goals, seven assists. Won Champions League, Premier League & FA Cup.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
- In 2022-23: 35 goals, 10 assists. Won La Liga & Supercopa de Espana.
Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
- In 2022-23: 23 goals, six assists. Won World Cup, Champions League, Premier League & FA Cup.
