Former France star Jean-Pierre Papin criticised the way his compatriot Kylian Mbappé has spoken about his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or, saying the France captain's comments have been excessively focused on himself and that this does not work in his favour in the race for the individual award.
Papin criticises Mbappé's media comments
I like Kylian very much, and he is also a record-breaker, but at some point it became: me, me, me and me. The Ballon d'Or... others decide who wins it
The former France striker added that Mbappé's communication had, at one point, suggested he saw himself as the only person deserving of the award. “It reached the point where there was no one else but me who deserved the Ballon d'Or; that was too much for me, too much.” Papin said that the way a player handles the media around the award was one criterion that might work against Mbappé, despite his ability and statistics.
He said the Ballon d'Or is currently awarded according to a whole set of criteria, adding that the communication-related criterion did not suit the French player, while describing his other qualities as good. Despite criticising Mbappé's comments, Papin praised his ability and statistical record, but revealed that he preferred England striker Harry Kane to win the Ballon d'Or.
The winner of the 2026 award is due to be announced on 26 October, after weeks of debate over the leading contenders.
