Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has expressed his profound ambition to clinch the coveted Ballon d’Or in the future, maintaining a firm belief that he will attain this honor once he fulfills all necessary requirements. This confidence comes on the heels of his high-profile move last summer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. Since joining Madrid, Mbappé has shown his prowess on the pitch, netting nine goals in just 15 appearances in La Liga during his inaugural season. However, his performance in the UEFA Champions League has been less prolific, with only a single goal in the first five matches of the tournament’s new format.
Mbappé’s aspiration to lift the Champions League trophy is a key component of his ambitions, especially given his previous experiences with PSG, where he fell short in his quest for Europe’s most prestigious club title. Notably, PSG had reached the Champions League final in the 2019/20 season but suffered a narrow defeat to Bayern Munich, with a final score of 1-0 in Lisbon. The young striker recognizes the importance of competing at the highest level, stating, “I am at the best club to win the Champions League,” underscoring his focus on achieving success in Europe.
Despite being a World Cup champion at the tender age of 19, thanks to France’s victory in Russia in 2018, Mbappé faced disappointment in the subsequent 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. There, he witnessed Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, claim the championship after a thrilling penalty shootout. Notably, Mbappé’s exceptional performance in that final included scoring a remarkable hat-trick, while Messi contributed with two goals, emphasizing the fierce competition for football’s highest accolades.
In addition to the Champions League, Mbappé has set his sights on other significant tournaments, including Euro 2024 and potentially the Olympics. While discussing his goals, he stated, “Which top trophy is left for me? The Champions League, that’s why I’m at the best club.” His aspirations extend beyond team honors, as he affirmed, “Individual trophies count too, like the Ballon d’Or,” and is fully committed to the rigorous preparations required to achieve such distinguished recognition.
However, his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite a stellar record of 86 caps and 48 goals for the French national team, Mbappé has found himself omitted from recent squads, leading to some friction with national team manager Didier Deschamps. He candidly reflected on the situation, saying, “The French national team has always been the highest level of football. My love for the French national team hasn’t changed. Yes, I miss it, because I haven’t been there for a long time.” The striker recounted his brief absence from the squad, attributing it in part to his recent transition to Real Madrid.
Discussing the demands placed on top athletes, Mbappé revealed his struggles with fatigue during last summer’s European Championship. He passionately appealed to football authorities for better recovery protocols, saying, “You want us to play, we’ll play. But we don’t have recovery time.” The physical toll of frequent high-stakes matches has led him to advocate for societal changes within the sport, drawing a parallel to the NBA’s scheduling practices, where players benefit from extended off-seasons.
As Mbappé navigates the challenges of elite football, he remains intensely focused on his future endeavors, keen to cement his legacy in the sport. His commitment to individual and team excellence suggests that while he may currently face obstacles, his determination and talent could soon see him achieving the very heights he aspires to—both in team accomplishments and personal accolades, including that elusive Ballon d’Or. With each game, the football world watches closely, eager to see whether this remarkable talent will fulfill his ambitious predictions.
