A history of frustration: Mbappé’s near-misses and grievances.
Kylian Mbappé’s quest for the Ballon d’Or has been a story of close calls and personal disappointments. Despite his exceptional talent, the French forward has yet to win the prestigious accolade. Notably, he came close in 2018, finishing fourth behind Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Antoine Griezmann, despite being pivotal in France’s World Cup triumph that year.
Similarly, in 2023, Mbappé felt slighted once again as Lionel Messi clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or, riding the wave of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory. Mbappé, who scored a hat trick in the final and was instrumental throughout the tournament, privately expressed frustration over the decision, according to reports. In both instances, he believed he had done enough to merit the award.
In 2024, Mbappé’s performance dipped, with his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain and a disappointing showing at the European Championship leaving him in sixth place in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, ultimately claimed the award, leaving Real Madrid, Mbappé’s new club, openly critical of the outcome.
Mbappé’s 2025 campaign: A fresh start at Real Madrid.
Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé sees 2025 as a pivotal year in his career. The switch to one of the world’s most high-profile clubs has rejuvenated his ambitions. Speaking in recent interviews, Mbappé has emphasized that he is in “the best club” to achieve his goals, including the coveted Ballon d’Or. “I know what it takes to win it. Once I do everything necessary, I will win it,” he said confidently.
However, Mbappé’s start at Real Madrid has been mixed. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, critics have pointed out moments of inconsistency in key matches. Despite this, Mbappé has time to turn the tide. The second half of the season, including the Champions League knockout stages and the La Liga title race, will provide ample opportunities for him to prove his worth on the grandest stages.
Moreover, the landscape of potential contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or appears favorable. Key rivals such as Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne have struggled with injuries and form, while Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Jr., and young talents like Lamine Yamal remain the primary threats. Mbappé’s ability to outshine his peers in critical moments will likely determine his fate in this year’s Ballon d’Or race.
Can Mbappé overcome the odds and break the streak?
For Mbappé, the journey to the Ballon d’Or has been as much about proving himself as it has been about competing against the best. His frustration over past “injustices” has fueled his determination to finally claim the trophy. In private, Mbappé reportedly believes he was unfairly overlooked in 2018 and 2023, feeling that his achievements were undervalued compared to those of Luka Modric and Lionel Messi, respectively.
At 26, Mbappé understands that time and opportunity are on his side. Real Madrid, a club with a storied history of producing Ballon d’Or winners, is fully backing their star forward. With the support of teammates like Vinicius Jr. and the global platform that the Santiago Bernabéu provides, Mbappé has all the tools at his disposal to finally secure football’s ultimate individual honor.
However, the competition remains fierce, and the pressure to deliver on the biggest stages will be immense. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Mbappé to see if he can silence his critics and fulfill his long-standing ambition. Whether or not 2025 will be his year remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the football world will be watching closely.
What’s at stake for Mbappé and the broader implications?
Securing the Ballon d’Or would not only cement Mbappé’s legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation but also restore the faith of Real Madrid fans, who are eager for their club to reclaim its dominance in the footballing world. The Ballon d’Or has long been a symbol of individual brilliance, but for Mbappé, it represents so much more—validation of years of hard work, resilience, and ambition.
For the football community, Mbappé’s triumph would mark a generational shift. The dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or rankings over the past decade has defined an era. A win for Mbappé could signal the rise of a new era, with younger talents like him, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr. set to take center stage.
As Mbappé’s journey toward the 2025 Ballon d’Or heats up, his performance in the coming months will not only shape his individual narrative but also influence Real Madrid’s fortunes and the broader football landscape. Will Mbappé finally achieve his ultimate goal, or will another year of heartbreak await? The answer will unfold as the season progresses, offering yet another thrilling chapter in the Frenchman’s storied career.
