French media accuse Mbappé of vote‑buying as Ballon d'Or race heats up

Kylian Mbappé’s push for the Ballon d'Or has sparked a backlash in France (França), with journalists and some Real Madrid supporters questioning his priorities after the recent classic against Atlético de Madrid. Despite the defeat, the French striker kept the award in his public discourse, and the prize will be handed out in October.

French journalists question his tactics

“Rothen S’enflamme”, former France international Jérôme Rothen accused Mbappé of actively trying to buy votes for the Ballon d'Or. He said, “Vocês percebem que, neste momento, ele está tentando comprar votos para a Bola de Ouro… para conseguir essa p*** de Bola de Ouro?” Rothen added, “Se ele ganhar a Bola de Ouro, para começar, para mim será uma farsa”, warning that a victory could provoke a backlash. He noted that Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has employed a similar strategy, suggesting a broader trend among young stars. Daniel Riolo dissected Mbappé’s recent media tour, highlighting interviews with the French outlet RFI and with CNN. Despite the defeat, the French striker kept the award in his public discourse, and the prize will be handed out in October. Former France international Jérôme Rothen accused Mbappé of actively trying to buy votes for the Ballon d'Or. Riolo revealed the RFI interview took 17 days to arrange and suggested it was driven more by Mbappé’s entourage than by the broadcaster. He described the striker’s performance in the classic against Atlético de Madrid as “catastrophic” and quoted, “O que ele diz nessa entrevista é pura demagogia. Ele chega com toda a parafernália e o confete. Dá para perceber de longe. É como um carro roubado”. Riolo argued that the interview, aired two days before the match, formed part of a “huge strategy” to influence voters.

Criticism from Madrid fans and vote‑building strategy

The heightened exposure has also drawn criticism from a segment of Real Madrid supporters, who see the Ballon d'Or campaign as distracting. After the loss to Atlético de Madrid, Mbappé persisted in discussing the award, prompting questions about his priority amid the club’s sporting difficulties. Observers argue that the striker’s preoccupation with individual accolades may undermine the team’s collective objectives.

Noise around the Ballon d'Or threatens Mbappé and Yamal's chances

Despite the backlash, Riolo concedes that Mbappé could still emerge as the winner. He explained that Ballon d'Or votes are allocated across many countries, and a campaign tailored to that system could prove effective. The journalist suggested that Mbappé’s entourage may be orchestrating a global lobbying effort to maximise support.

Mbappé has featured among the leading candidates in previous editions of the award, yet the trophy has always eluded him. This season marks his first realistic chance to claim the prize, intensifying scrutiny of his off‑field tactics.