Despite the criticisms, Mbappé offers a discreet but prestigious record, surpassing Zidane, Henry and Benzema in a very specific field.
He may not have raised the most prestigious trophies this season, but Kylian Mbappé continues to write his name in history books. Despite a campaign
media parasitized by extra -productive problems and the
rise of a certain Parisian teammate,
The French striker has just achieved something that no other tricolor player before him had accomplished. And it was necessary to scrutinize the list of the 30 nominees revealed this Thursday to realize it.
With this ninth consecutive appointment to the Ballon d'Or, Mbappé now is ahead of legends like Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema or Raymond Kopa, whose series were all less long or interrupted. Only two names do even better in history: Cristiano Ronaldo (19 times in a row) and Lionel Messi (15). At just 26 years old, the Real Madrid striker therefore established himself as the most regular French in the race for individual Grail.
Mbappé, a consistency that forces respect
Because even if he has never exceeded third place in the final classification, Mbappé has always rubbed shoulders with the summits since 2017. This regularity testifies to an impressive longevity, in a football where the stars often spin as quickly as they emerge. This year again, despite fierce competition and a favorite named Dembélé, it is part of the very closed circle of the 30 best players in the world. Recognition that does not fall from the sky.
Mbappé exceeds Zidane, Henry and Benzema in a key field
The former Parisian completed a successful first season in the Real Madrid jersey. Top scorer in Europe in exercise 2024-2025, he erased Ivan Zamorano from tablets with the best total goals for a Madrid recruit. Some see him
The most profitable transfer of the season. And if he could not offer the White House a major title, difficult to make him carry it alone.
The September 22 meeting
Criticized, challenged, sometimes even deemed exceeded: Mbappé remains a sure value of world football. Despite the debates and controversies, he continues his journey, with standards that few can follow. The final verdict of the Ballon d'Or will fall on September 22.
And if he is not the favorite, Kylian Mbappé has every reason to aim for a new place in the top 10. Again.
