France Striker Kylian Mbappe believes that with his contributions to PSG and the French national team, he fully meets the criteria to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or.
On the evening of June 19, after scoring the only goal to help France defeat Greece 1-0 in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Mbappe was asked if he felt he deserved the 2023 Ballon d'Or. He replied: "I would say yes. I meet the criteria. But the award depends on the votes."
In the match at the Stade de France, Mbappe scored the only goal for the home team from a penalty kick in the 55th minute. This was his 54th goal since the start of the 2022-2023 season, enough to become the French player with the most goals in a season. Mbappe's achievements include 41 goals for PSG and 13 goals for France, surpassing the record set by the late legend Just Fontaine in 1958 with 39 goals for Reims and 14 goals for France.
Mbappe celebrates scoring against Greece on the evening of June 19. Photo: AP
It was also Mbappe's 40th international goal, just one short of another legend, Michel Platini. "It's amazing when you know how much Platini represents all the French people," said the France captain. "He's an absolute legend, and one of the best players in the history of our country."
The 2022-23 World Cup is Mbappe's biggest blemish. He scored eight goals in the tournament, including a hat-trick in the final and won the Golden Boot, but could not defend his title. After a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes, France lost 4-2 to Argentina in a penalty shootout.
Mbappe insists he would have swapped his hat-trick in the final for a 1-0 win over Argentina. "It's hard to say we made history without leaving with the Cup," Mbappe added. "We brought joy to everyone, but it's hard to walk away without lifting the Cup."
Mbappe's biggest rival in the Ballon d'Or race is Lionel Messi. The 35-year-old striker contributed seven goals and three assists at the 2022 World Cup, winning the championship and the title of Best Player. In addition to his achievements with the national team, Messi also contributed 20 goals and 21 assists, helping PSG win Ligue 1.
Erling Haaland is also a strong candidate. In his first season with Man City, the 22-year-old striker scored 52 goals in 53 matches, winning the collective treble, the Premier League Top Scorer, Champions League and European Golden Shoe.
The Ballon d'Or is voted for by French magazine France Football. Voters are journalists around the world . On October 30, France Football will present the award in Paris. Messi holds the record of winning seven Ballon d'Ors. Meanwhile, Mbappe and Haaland have yet to win any titles.
France 1-0 Greece match progress.
Thanh Quy (according to LP )
Source link
![[Photo] National Assembly Chairman attends the seminar "Building and operating an international financial center and recommendations for Vietnam"](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2025/7/28/76393436936e457db31ec84433289f72)
Comment (0)