Kylian Mbappe called 'childish' and 'pathetic' after controversial Ballon d'Or comments

Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe has been branded "childish" and "pathetic" by World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry following his much-talked-about remarks about the Ballon d'Or.

With a month to go until this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, Mbappe believes this "might be a good year" for him.

Mbappe, who scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season, has yet to win the award. In fact, the closest he came was back in 2023, when he finished third behind Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.

READ MORE: ‘If he doesn’t win the Ballon d'Or, something is very wrong with football’

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League clash against Inter Milan, the Frenchman was in confident spirits.

"I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award [the Ballon d'Or]," he said.

"There are many people that speak about me and the Ballon d'Or. Of course I've made history in the most important competition. Maybe it's a good year for this, but people can vote according to what they think.

"I always think I'm the best [player in the world], but everyone has their own opinion. Maybe people think different ways. I don't think it's a discussion we need to have."

In a separate interview with France Football, Mbappe said: "I have a feeling I can win it this year, so I haven't distanced myself from that."

France World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry rips into Kylian Mbappe for Ballon d'Or comments

Mbappe's comments have rubbed some people up the wrong way, including the outspoken Christophe Dugarry, who made 55 appearances for France and featured in their 1998 World Cup win.

"To publicly ask for an individual award like that, I find it childish and pathetic," Dugarry said. "There’s nothing great about asking for it, especially as captain of your national team."

“Football is becoming more and more individualistic, and far too often it makes me sick," he added. "Instead of talking about yourself and individual awards, you should be talking about the team, about sharing success and about the trophies you didn’t win but wanted to win together.”

Mbappe is one of the favourites to lift this year's Ballon d'Or. Image credit: Getty

Kylian Mbappe asked who he will vote for in Ballon d'Or

A host of names are in contention to win the award, including Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who scored 73 goals for club and country last season.

Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi are also in contention alongside several members of the Paris Saint-Germain squad that won the Champions League.

Speaking in the previously mentioned interview with France Football, Mbappe said: "Who do I vote for? For myself. But I can understand those who vote differently; we're not living under a dictatorship of thought."

He added: "When I look at the arguments, when I look at the competition, I tell myself it wouldn't be a robbery."