Kylian Mbappé gave an interview to newspaper AS, published on the evening of September 17. In it, the forward discusses his well-being in Madrid, the end of his time at PSG, his arrival at Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal's career.
The interview was conducted by José Félix Díaz, an AS journalist and Spanish voter for the Ballon d'Or. Asked about his choice, the journalist said he had not yet made up his mind. Voting will close on September 28.
Mbappé's comments on the Ballon d'Or had already circulated in previous days, notably via France Football, where the forward discussed his ambitions for the trophy.
Mbappé faces the Spanish debate
This new media appearance comes as several voices in Spain are openly discussing the legitimacy of his candidacy. On Cadena SER, Manu Carreño notably criticized what he sees as a lack of recognition for Spanish players in the race for the trophy.
On El Chiringuito, Matías Prats also questioned Mbappé's candidacy, revisiting his season last year, his absence at the end of the season and the relationship between the French forward and part of Real Madrid's longtime supporters.
On Cadena COPE, Nacho Peña, for his part, felt that Mbappé had not sufficiently embraced the collective dimension of the Ballon d'Or, despite his individual statistics. Luis García-Rey also highlighted Real Madrid's lack of collective titles since the Frenchman's arrival.
These criticisms are mainly based on a reading of Real Madrid's season and on the weight given to individual performances compared to collective titles. The interview given to AS therefore comes amid a debate already well underway in Spain, less than two weeks before voting closes.
The journalist conducting the interview is himself part of the voting panel. José Félix Díaz says he has not yet settled on his choice, a situation that gives particular weight to this interview, as votes must be finally submitted before September 28.
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