Kylian Mbappé accuses the media of feeding the Ballon d’Or myth
Kylian Mbappé made headlines again this week by denouncing the way the media keep the debate around the Ballon d’Or alive. The striker of the French national team and Real Madrid has repeatedly said that he has already said everything, while reminding that promises only bind those who receive them.
Successive interviews on the Ballon d’Or
He first gave an interview to the Spanish daily AS, where he stated « I have already said everything I had to say » about the trophy. A few days later, RFI published a second interview, whose first eight questions focused on the same topic. In both interviews, Mbappé reminded that he is the top scorer in all major competitions (Liga, Champions League, World Cup) and that the Ballon d’Or rewards a player, not a team.
The media under fire from criticism
Mbappé accused the media of over‑politicising him, notably citing recent tensions with Ousmane Dembélé, fueled by an exhausting « media campaign » around the Ballon d’Or. He emphasized that, unlike a time when he was scarce in interviews, he is now constantly approached, whether to talk about the trophy or to promote his new kit supplier.
Mbappé pitches individual brilliance as key to Ballon d'Or hopes
In this story, the footballer even mentioned Zinédine Zidane’s role, who, when the French squad list was announced, received several questions about the Ballon d’Or, which did not delight him. Mbappé thus highlighted the media’s responsibility in creating a permanent soap opera.
The player also introduced his favourite expression, « burn the retina », to describe the over‑media coverage of the subject. He concluded that the « Kyks » is the first to feed the soap opera, even if it may serve his personal interests.