Ballon d’Or 2025: What Kylian Mbappé Refuses to Hear After Rodri’s Coronation

Kylian Mbappé has returned to France amidst great excitement and attention. In a recent in-depth interview with Le Parisien, the French forward addressed the controversial outcome of the 2025 Ballon d’Or and his stance on the matter. The Real Madrid star, who has been at the center of both praise and criticism over the past year, remains one of the top candidates for the prestigious award. However, he has made it clear that he is skeptical of the voting process and final decision.

After enduring a challenging autumn marked by controversies surrounding his trip to Sweden and heavy criticism regarding his performances, Mbappé has made a strong comeback. Now, six months after his last international appearance against Belgium, the 26-year-old striker rejoins the French national team at Clairefontaine. With 20 goals in La Liga and Real Madrid still in contention for a historic treble, Mbappé’s name is frequently mentioned among the favorites for the Ballon d’Or 2025.

Mbappé’s Take on the Ballon d’Or Selection Process

In his interview, Mbappé did not hold back his thoughts on the Ballon d’Or voting system. When asked about his Paris Saint-Germain counterpart Ousmane Dembélé, who is also being considered for the award, the Real Madrid number 9 expressed his frustration with how unpredictable and inconsistent the selection process has become.

“What even is a Ballon d’Or anymore? Is Rodri a Ballon d’Or winner in your eyes? I thought the award would go to Vinícius Jr., but in the end, it’s Rodri. If I had told you this three months ago, you would have laughed at me,” Mbappé remarked candidly. “Nowadays, we have no idea who will win the Ballon d’Or. Anyone can get it. Maybe even a goalkeeper.”

A Controversial Outcome

Mbappé’s frustration echoes a broader sentiment in the footballing world. Many pundits and fans had expected the award to go to Vinícius Jr., who played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success. However, the decision to crown Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, has sparked debate among players and analysts alike.

Rodri, who was instrumental in Manchester City’s domestic and European campaigns, played a pivotal role in their Champions League triumph. While his consistency and contributions were undeniable, many believe that attacking players like Vinícius Jr. or even Mbappé himself were more deserving due to their game-changing performances.

Mbappé’s Reaction and Real Madrid’s Perspective

For Mbappé, who recently scored a brace in Real Madrid’s victory over Villarreal, the Ballon d’Or result is another sign of how the award’s criteria have shifted. While he respects Rodri’s achievements, he remains unconvinced that the midfielder’s season was the best among all nominees.

His comments will likely not sit well with Rodri, who has already faced criticism from other football figures regarding his unexpected coronation. But Mbappé is not the only one questioning the decision—many prominent football personalities have voiced their concerns about the shifting dynamics of the Ballon d’Or selection.

France’s Expectations and Upcoming Fixtures

Beyond the Ballon d’Or debate, Mbappé is focused on leading the French national team in the upcoming Nations League quarter-finals against Croatia. The matches, scheduled for March 20 and 23, will be a crucial test for the forward as he looks to guide his country to further success on the international stage.

His return to the squad comes at a time when France is looking to rebuild momentum. With other Real Madrid stars like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga also called up, Les Bleus have a strong contingent of players competing at the highest level.

The Future of the Ballon d’Or

As football evolves, so does the discussion surrounding individual awards. The Ballon d’Or has long been considered the pinnacle of individual recognition in football, but in recent years, its credibility has come into question. Many argue that the voting system lacks transparency and consistency, with defensive or midfield players often overlooked in favor of goal scorers.

Mbappé’s remarks are a reflection of a broader debate about what truly defines the best player in the world. Should the award favor individual brilliance, or should it prioritize consistency and overall contribution to a team’s success?

Mbappé’s Legacy and Personal Goals

Regardless of this year’s outcome, Mbappé remains focused on his personal and club achievements. He has already established himself as one of the most electrifying players of his generation and continues to chase both domestic and international glory.

With Real Madrid still competing on multiple fronts, including the Champions League and La Liga, Mbappé has a chance to further strengthen his case for future Ballon d’Or honors. His ambition and drive remain unwavering, as he aims to cement his legacy among the greatest players of all time.

Final Thoughts

The Ballon d’Or 2025 controversy will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of discussion in the football world. While Rodri’s triumph is a testament to his consistency and importance to Manchester City, many—including Mbappé—believe the award should have gone to a more attacking player.

As football evolves, so too will the criteria for such prestigious awards. But for now, Mbappé remains focused on proving his worth on the pitch, ensuring that when the next Ballon d’Or rolls around, there will be no debate about who deserves it most.