Kylian Mbappé has been crowned the French Footballer of the Year for the 2023-24 season by France Football, adding another prestigious accolade to his remarkable career. The Real Madrid forward secured the award after edging out Arsenal’s William Saliba by just five points in an intense voting process. This victory marks Mbappé’s fourth win of the coveted prize, further solidifying his status as one of the world’s most talented footballers.
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A Remarkable Achievement for Mbappé
In what was his final season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Kylian Mbappé delivered an extraordinary performance, making a significant impact both domestically and internationally. Over the course of the 2023-24 campaign, the France captain netted an impressive 52 goals in all competitions. His scoring prowess played a pivotal role in PSG’s successful Ligue 1 title defense, marking their sixth consecutive league triumph. In addition to his league success, Mbappé also guided PSG to victory in the Coupe de France.
Despite leaving PSG for Real Madrid in the summer, Mbappé’s contributions to the French club were undeniable. His consistent form on the pitch earned him the respect of fans, teammates, and rivals alike. Furthermore, the forward captained France to the semifinals of Euro 2024, where they were ultimately eliminated by Spain. His leadership both on and off the field continues to be a defining feature of his career.
Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid has been a major talking point in the football world. Having joined Los Blancos on a free transfer, the French forward has made an immediate impact in La Liga. In 22 appearances for his new club, he has scored 12 goals and registered two assists, continuing to show why he is regarded as one of the finest talents in world football.
The Close Battle for the Top Spot
The race for the French Footballer of the Year award was tightly contested, with Mbappé narrowly beating Arsenal defender William Saliba. The two players were in close competition throughout the voting process, with the final result showing only a five-point difference between the pair. Mbappé earned 56 points, while Saliba finished with 51 points, despite his stellar performances for Arsenal.
Saliba’s achievements in the 2023-24 season were exceptional, as he helped Arsenal challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title once again. His dominant defensive displays earned him a spot in the Premier League Team of the Season and further solidified his place as a regular starter for the French national team.
In an interview with France Football, Mbappé showed great respect for Saliba’s accomplishments, acknowledging that his teammate also deserved the award. “You have to be fair, William Saliba would also have deserved to win this trophy,” Mbappé stated, paying tribute to his fellow French international.
Surprise Votes and Snubs in the Voting Process
While Mbappé triumphed in the end, the voting revealed some surprising and notable snubs, particularly from France’s captain’s former teammates. Karim Benzema, who played alongside Mbappé in the national team, chose not to include him in his top three picks for the year. Instead, the Ballon d’Or winner selected Eduardo Camavinga, Bradley Barcola, and Warren Zaire-Emery as his preferred choices.
Similarly, N’Golo Kante, another prominent figure in French football, omitted Mbappé from his selections. Kante, instead, voted for William Saliba, Jules Koundé, and Camavinga, further contributing to the tension surrounding the award process.
Looking Ahead: Mbappé’s Future and Injury Concerns
Mbappé’s triumph as France’s Footballer of the Year comes at a pivotal moment in his career. After securing the prestigious award, the Frenchman has shifted his focus to his new challenge with Real Madrid. However, his time in Madrid has been marred by a recent injury. He sustained a thigh issue during Madrid’s 3-2 win over Atalanta, which will cause him to miss the upcoming La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. The injury has cast doubt over his participation in the Intercontinental Cup final in Doha, Qatar, scheduled for December 18.
Despite this setback, Mbappé’s future in Madrid looks promising. His exceptional skills and leadership qualities continue to make him one of the most sought-after players in the world, and fans are eagerly awaiting his next performances.
Kylian Mbappé’s victory in the French Footballer of the Year award for the 2023-24 season is yet another testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game. His stunning goalscoring record, coupled with his leadership on the field, made him the standout candidate for the prize. While the voting process revealed some unexpected exclusions, it is clear that Mbappé remains at the forefront of French and global football. With his recent move to Real Madrid, the French superstar is poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.
Read More: Jude Bellingham’s Back in Business! How Jude Found His Goalscoring Mojo Again for Real Madrid
FAQs
Who won the 2023-24 French Footballer of the Year award?
Kylian Mbappé won the French Footballer of the Year award for the 2023-24 season, his fourth time receiving the honor.
How close was the voting between Mbappé and William Saliba?
Mbappé narrowly defeated William Saliba by just five points in the final voting, with Mbappé securing 56 points and Saliba 51.
What were Mbappé’s major achievements in the 2023-24 season?
Mbappé scored 52 goals for PSG, won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, and led France to the semifinals of Euro 2024.
Why was Kylian Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid significant?
Mbappé joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024, where he continued his prolific form, scoring 12 goals and providing 2 assists in 22 appearances.
What injury is Mbappé currently dealing with?
Mbappé suffered a thigh injury during Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Atalanta, which will cause him to miss the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano and may affect his participation in the Intercontinental Cup final.
