Jean‑Pierre Papin criticises Real Madrid's campaign for Kylian Mbappé's Ballon d’Or

Kylian Mbappé has sparked a heated controversy by multiplying media statements to present himself as the main candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, which prompted former winner Jean‑Pierre Papin to openly criticize him. The Frenchman said that the Real Madrid player displayed an excessive “me, me, me”, while the official voting is not yet closed.

An electoral campaign

The editorial staff described Mbappé's approach as a “true electoral campaign”, aimed at convincing voters, especially in Africa, where the player highlighted his African roots. He told RFI and The Athletic that these ties gave him “pleasure” and that he hoped to “go away with the Ballon d’Or” to dedicate it to his supporters.

Reactions in France and Spain

Many football consultants denounced Real Madrid's attitude, believing that the player had not yet done enough. Mbappé acknowledged that some criticized his excess of speech, but retorted that this is how he makes himself heard.

Papin criticizes Mbappé's arrogance before the Ballon d'Or

Asked by France TV, Jean‑Pierre Papin, the trophy winner in 1991 after his stint at Club Bruges, said: “Kylian, I like him a lot. He’s a record‑making man. However, at some point, it’s me, me, me and me.” He added that the Ballon d’Or is decided by others, not by the player himself.

Papin went on to describe Mbappé’s campaign as “too much”, reminding that the voting process involves many criteria. He judged that the only problem lay in the candidate’s attitude, while the rest of the system worked properly, even citing Harry Kane as an example without anomaly.

Mbappé vs Zidane: the tactical debate looming at Real Madrid

While the official vote closed on September 26, the criticisms remain sharp. The suspense remains as to who will succeed Ousmane Dembélé, the winner twelve months ago, among the names mentioned, including Mbappé.