Kylian Mbappé Secures Fourth French Footballer of the Year Award Amid Real Madrid Injury Concerns
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has added yet another accolade to his already glittering career. The French forward was named French Footballer of the Year for the 2023-24 season by France Football, marking the fourth time he has claimed this prestigious honor. This latest recognition comes after a stellar final season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a strong start to his tenure with Los Blancos.
Mbappé’s dominance in French football is nothing new. The France captain previously won the award in 2018, 2019, and for the 2022-23 season. However, this year’s win is particularly special as it caps off his incredible run at PSG, where he scored a jaw-dropping 52 goals across all competitions in his final campaign. He also helped PSG secure their sixth Ligue 1 title and lifted the Coupe de France trophy.
On the international stage, Mbappé continued to shine, captaining France to the semifinals of Euro 2024. Unfortunately, their journey ended with a heartbreaking loss to Spain, but his leadership and performances throughout the tournament were nothing short of inspiring.
Who Did Mbappé Beat for the Award?
The competition for the French Footballer of the Year award was fierce, but Mbappé emerged victorious. Here’s how the top five voting results played out:
- 1st: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
- 2nd: William Saliba (Arsenal)
- 3rd: Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
- 4th: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
- 5th: Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
It’s worth noting that Camavinga and Tchouaméni, Mbappé’s current teammates at Real Madrid, played pivotal roles in helping the club secure the Champions League title last season. Their inclusion in the top five underscores the incredible depth of talent in French football right now.
Mbappé’s Real Madrid Journey So Far
Since joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, Mbappé has continued to deliver on the pitch. In 22 appearances for the Spanish giants, he has already racked up 12 goals and two assists. However, his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 win over Atalanta in the Champions League earlier this week, Mbappé picked up a thigh injury that forced him off the field.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti later confirmed that Mbappé wasn’t at 100% fitness during the match. Despite this, the forward’s effort and determination were evident, and his contributions helped secure the victory. Unfortunately, the injury means Mbappé is set to miss Saturday’s LaLiga clash with Rayo Vallecano. There are also doubts about his availability for the Intercontinental Cup final in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 18.
What’s Next for Mbappé?
As Real Madrid fans hold their breath over Mbappé’s fitness, the forward’s impact on the team is already undeniable. His ability to score goals, create chances, and lead by example has made him a key figure in Ancelotti’s squad. With the Intercontinental Cup final just days away, the hope is that Mbappé can recover in time to help Real Madrid add another trophy to their collection.
For now, though, Mbappé can take a moment to celebrate his latest individual achievement. Winning the French Footballer of the Year award for the fourth time is a testament to his consistency, talent, and work ethic. Whether he’s lighting up Ligue 1, dominating on the international stage, or making his mark in LaLiga, Mbappé continues to prove why he’s one of the best players in the world.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Mbappé to see how he bounces back from his injury and continues to contribute to Real Madrid’s success. One thing is for sure: the French superstar isn’t done making headlines just yet.
Originally Written by: Tom Hamilton
