Zinedine Zidane Backs Kylian Mbappé After Ballon d’Or Snub
France manager Zinedine Zidane has offered strong support to Kylian Mbappé, saying the Real Madrid forward deserved to win the Ballon d’Or despite finishing second in the voting. Zidane acknowledged that football awards are shaped by individual opinions, but made clear that he believes Mbappé had a compelling case for the prize.
England captain Harry Kane was named this year’s winner by France Football, with Mbappé narrowly missing out on the top honour. The result prompted discussion among supporters about the performances, goals and achievements that should carry the most weight in a season-long award. Zidane’s comments add a prominent voice to that debate, while also highlighting the respect Mbappé commands within the French national team.
Zidane says Mbappé deserved the award
Speaking to Téléfoot on Sunday, Zidane said there would always be different views about who should receive the Ballon d’Or. He accepted the official result, while noting that Mbappé was understandably disappointed by the outcome.
“Everyone has their preferences regarding the winner,” Zidane said, according to the interview. “Mbappé finished the race in second place, and we simply have to accept the results. Mbappé was feeling disappointed, because he deserved to win the Ballon d’Or, that is certain.”
The remarks reflect the fine margins that often define football’s most closely watched individual awards. Voters must compare players from different leagues, positions and competitions, weighing personal statistics against team success and performances in major matches. A second-place finish is a significant achievement, but it can still feel like a missed opportunity for a player who believes he has done enough to claim the trophy.
For Mbappé, the recognition also comes during a period of major change. His move to Real Madrid placed him under intense scrutiny, with supporters and analysts eager to see how he would adapt to a new club environment and meet expectations at one of the world’s most prominent teams. Zidane’s praise reinforces the view that Mbappé remains among the leading figures in the game, whatever the final Ballon d’Or ranking.
France return offers Mbappé a fresh focus
Zidane also looked ahead to Mbappé’s return to international duty, expressing confidence that the forward would be pleased to wear the France shirt again. The national team provides a different setting from club football, bringing Mbappé together with familiar teammates and placing him at the centre of France’s plans in major competitions.
The manager recalled that Mbappé scored during Zidane’s first match in charge of the national side, but had to leave the group after picking up an injury. Zidane said the forward wanted to remain with the squad, though his fitness meant that continuing was not possible. The episode, he suggested, showed the player’s commitment to the team, while also underlining the importance of managing his workload carefully.
“He is a player I follow with great interest, and he must be given a lot of attention,” Zidane said. That attention is understandable: Mbappé’s pace, movement and ability to create chances make him a central part of France’s attacking identity. His presence can influence how opponents defend, often forcing them to devote extra players to limiting his space and runs behind the back line.
France’s immediate challenge is to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The international break therefore offers more than a chance for Mbappé to put the Ballon d’Or result behind him. It is also an opportunity for the squad to build momentum, strengthen its combinations and deliver results in a competition where every match can shape the route to the knockout stage.
Zidane praises Désiré Doué’s fearless style
Alongside his comments about Mbappé, Zidane highlighted Désiré Doué as one of France’s most exciting young prospects. The midfielder has attracted attention for his confidence and willingness to take risks, qualities Zidane believes should be encouraged rather than restrained.
“I love the boldness he has,” Zidane said. “He plays as though he is playing a match in the neighbourhood where he grew up. That is what I like, because this is the mentality we must demand from players on the pitch.”
The comparison points to a style of play built on freedom and instinct. Young players can sometimes become cautious when they reach the international stage, particularly when facing experienced opponents and the pressure of representing their country. Doué’s ability to play with personality could help France add unpredictability to its attack, especially if he can balance creative ambition with disciplined decision-making.
For a national team competing at the highest level, developing emerging talent is as important as relying on established stars. Players such as Mbappé provide proven quality and leadership, while prospects like Doué can bring energy, imagination and competition for places. That blend can give France greater tactical flexibility as it pursues success in the Nations League and prepares for future tournaments.
What Zidane’s comments mean for France
Zidane’s remarks offer a snapshot of France’s current football landscape: a global superstar seeking to turn individual disappointment into renewed motivation, alongside a young talent encouraged to express himself without fear. His support for Mbappé may also help shift attention away from the Ballon d’Or debate and back toward the team’s objectives.
Any prediction about France’s Nations League prospects will depend on more than the presence of one player. Fitness, defensive organisation and the ability to convert chances will all matter as the competition advances. Still, a focused Mbappé gives France a major attacking threat, while Doué’s confidence could provide an additional spark.
Ultimately, the Ballon d’Or result is a moment in a much longer season. Mbappé has the opportunity to answer disappointment through his performances for Real Madrid and France, while Doué can use the international stage to demonstrate why Zidane is so impressed by his fearless approach. For French supporters, the coming fixtures will offer a clearer picture of how these individual stories can contribute to the national team’s wider ambitions.
