Home Football Mbappe’s Title Overshadowed: Benzema’s Choice Leaves a Cloud of Doubt

Mbappe’s Title Overshadowed: Benzema’s Choice Leaves a Cloud of Doubt

Football — 12/16/2024

Kylian Mbappe has officially won the title of French Player of the Year 2023-24, recognized by France Football.

mbappe's title is being swept away by benzema's controversial vote

Benzema did not choose Mbappe in his top 3.

However, his victory was overshadowed by a notable detail: Real Madrid legend and compatriot Karim Benzema surprisingly did not include Mbappe in his top three choices. This raised suspicions of a rift between the two top football stars. Not only Benzema, N’Golo Kante also left Mbappe out of his list, adding to the complexity of the story.

Mbappe’s sublime season

The award caps an impressive season for Mbappe, who scored 44 goals and assisted 10 in his final 48 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. Despite being embroiled in controversy over his future and a move to Real Madrid, the 25-year-old has been consistent and excellent, helping PSG win both the domestic league and cup, cementing his legacy at the club.

With his fourth French Player of the Year award, Mbappe now equals Karim Benzema’s personal record, behind only Thierry Henry (five). However, the win was only secured by a narrow margin. Mbappe earned 56 points, five more than Arsenal’s William Saliba. AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan finished third with 24 points.

Benzema and Kante’s controversial decisions

Karim Benzema, a French football icon and Ballon d’Or winner, has been criticised for not including Mbappe in his shortlist. Instead, Benzema chose Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Bradley Barcola (PSG) and William Saliba (Arsenal).

mbappe's title is being swept away by benzema's controversial vote

Mbappe moved to Real in the summer.

The decision has once again sparked rumors of a “secret animosity” between the two stars, as reported by L’Equipe. The tension is said to have stemmed from their time together on the French national team, where they only assisted each other in six goals, lacking the chemistry of other legendary pairings. N’Golo Kante also caused a stir when he did not choose Mbappe, instead voting for William Saliba, Jules Kounde, and Eduardo Camavinga.

Mbappe has struggled since completing his dream move to Real Madrid . The Whites announced on Thursday that Mbappe had been diagnosed with a problem in his left thigh . He was forced off in the first half of Real’s 3-2 win over Atalanta in the Champions League, despite scoring the team’s opening goal. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the match that Mbappe had suffered from muscle overload and discomfort in the lower pelvic region.