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Former French football star Zinedine Zidane has weighed in on the debate surrounding the Ballon d’Or, revealing that he believes Kylian Mbappe deserved to claim the prestigious individual award rather than finish in second place.
The former Real Madrid manager shared his opinion while discussing the latest edition of the award, where the French forward narrowly missed out on the top position despite producing impressive performances throughout the campaign.
Mbappe has continued to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the finest players in modern football. His remarkable ability to score goals, exceptional pace and creativity in the attacking third have made him an influential figure for both his club and the French national team.
Although Zidane recognised that selecting a Ballon d’Or winner is often influenced by personal preferences, he made it clear that Mbappe had done enough to deserve the recognition.
“Regarding the Ballon d’Or, everyone has their preferences about the winner. He finished second, we simply have to accept the results,” Zidane said.
His remarks have further fuelled conversations among football supporters about whether Mbappe's performances were sufficiently rewarded during the voting process.
Zidane's assessment carries considerable weight because he understands what it takes to win the award. The French legend received the Ballon d’Or in 1998 following an outstanding year that included his memorable performances at the FIFA World Cup.
During his playing career, Zidane represented major European clubs, including Juventus and Real Madrid, while also becoming one of France's most celebrated international players.
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