Kylian Mbappe has once again been crowned France Football’s Best French Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season. This achievement marks the fourth time the Paris-born superstar has claimed the prestigious honor, solidifying his status as one of the finest talents in French football. However, the voting process revealed unexpected drama, including snubs from former teammates Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
Benzema and Kante’s Surprising Choices
Despite Mbappe’s stellar performances during the season, which he spent showcasing his skills at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), he failed to earn votes from some notable figures. Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid striker now playing for Al-Ittihad, did not include Mbappe in his top picks. Instead, Benzema cast his votes for rising stars Eduardo Camavinga, Bradley Barcola, and Warren Zaire-Emery.
Similarly, N’Golo Kante, another former teammate from the French national team, chose to exclude Mbappe. The ex-Chelsea midfielder gave his votes to William Saliba, Jules Kounde, and Eduardo Camavinga.
Mbappe’s Victory Despite the Snubs
Despite these omissions, Mbappe edged out Arsenal defender William Saliba in the final voting tally. Mbappe secured 56 points, narrowly surpassing Saliba’s 51. The recognition highlights the Paris-born forward’s consistent brilliance and his contribution to French football.
Interestingly, Mbappe himself displayed grace and sportsmanship in his voting. He ranked Saliba as his top choice, followed by Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. This attitude reflects his maturity and commitment to celebrating the next generation of French footballers.
Mbappe’s Continued Dominance
This latest accolade adds to Mbappe’s previous wins in 2018, 2019, and 2023, further cementing his legacy in French football. The award comes amid a season where he delivered standout performances, contributing significantly to PSG’s success before his recent move to Real Madrid.
Injury Concerns for Mbappe
While the award celebrates Mbappe’s achievements, he is currently sidelined due to a thigh injury sustained during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League victory over Atalanta. Manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Mbappe will miss the upcoming La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano. However, he is expected to join the squad traveling to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup final.
A Legacy in the Making
Kylian Mbappe’s ability to maintain his position as France’s top player, even amid stiff competition and personal snubs, underscores his remarkable talent and resilience. With four wins in the category and a promising future ahead, Mbappe continues to inspire the next generation of footballers while solidifying his place among the greats of the game.
SOURCE: Goal.com
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