The Unforgettable Night of Kylian Mbappé at the Ballon d’Or
Kylian Mbappé’s demeanor at the Ballon d’Or ceremony has sparked discussions and debates across the footballing world. After Lionel Messi clinched his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or, Mbappé’s behavior raised eyebrows and fueled speculation, leaving fans and pundits pondering whether the 2023 Ballon d’Or was deserved.
Uncertainty Surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s Presence
The lead-up to the Ballon d’Or ceremony was marked by uncertainty surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s attendance, and when he finally arrived, his body language suggested that he would have preferred to be elsewhere. His facial expressions appeared forced, and his interactions with photographers seemed less than enthusiastic. Mbappé, who was the last to arrive and the first to leave, left a lasting impression on social media for his early departure.
A Forgettable Evening for Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé’s best version was seemingly absent on the night of the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre de Châtelet in Paris. Among the international football elite, the Paris Saint-Germain forward failed to display a joyful demeanor. His arrival, accompanied by PSG’s Deputy Sporting Director Olivier Gagne, was met with mixed feelings, with Mbappé offering quick autographs but displaying a lack of enthusiasm.
Mbappé’s Nomination and Subdued Reactions
Just before 9 PM, Kylian Mbappé was called to the stage as a nominee for the prestigious award. However, the smile that fans were hoping for remained elusive. Throughout the evening, when cameras focused on him, Mbappé’s expressions appeared rather inscrutable. Following Lionel Messi’s victory, Kylian Mbappé didn’t linger at the event. He congratulated his former teammate and swiftly departed, exchanging pleasantries with journalist Bertrand Latour and former footballer Djibril Cissé on his way out.
Mbappé Congratulates Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, placing him ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé in the final rankings. Shortly after the ceremony, Kylian Mbappé extended his congratulations to the Argentine World Cup champion through an Instagram post, stating, “You deserve it.”
Messi’s Ballon d’Or Triumph
Lionel Messi’s victory marked a momentous occasion in his illustrious career. The Argentinian maestro, who won his first World Cup in Qatar in 2022, had a stunning performance with seven goals, including a crucial brace in the final. Despite a somewhat underwhelming season with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi climbed the Ballon d’Or ranks, surpassing the five-time awardee, Cristiano Ronaldo. His World Cup victory played a pivotal role in securing his eighth Ballon d’Or.
Comparing Messi’s Ballon d’Or Triumphs
Messi’s latest Ballon d’Or victory has been hailed as one of the most remarkable in his career. Achieving World Cup glory, something that had eluded him in the past, solidified his status as one of the all-time greats. This victory will forever be linked with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he carried the Argentine national team to victory. Despite some lackluster performances in club competitions, Messi’s World Cup triumph set him apart from his competitors, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.
Reflecting on Messi’s Eight Ballon d’Or Trophies
Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or wins throughout his career have all carried their unique significance. His 2010 Ballon d’Or was a clear individual success, even though Barcelona’s collective achievements were limited that year. In 2011, Messi enjoyed an excellent year as part of a dominant Barcelona team. In 2009, he secured his first Ballon d’Or with a wide margin, marking his emergence as a football phenomenon.
Lionel Messi’s 2015 Ballon d’Or came during his time as part of the formidable “MSN” trio at Barcelona. In 2012, Messi had a record-breaking year, and he was a force both in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. His 2021 Ballon d’Or was noteworthy for his Copa America victory and individual accomplishments, despite an early exit from the UEFA Champions League.
In 2019, he narrowly edged out Virgil van Dijk, who had enjoyed success with Liverpool. And his 2010 Ballon d’Or win, while showcasing his individual brilliance, was secured during a year of mixed results for Barcelona.
As fans debate the merits of Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or, there’s no denying the enduring legacy of a football icon who continues to make history.
In conclusin, the Ballon d’Or ceremony of 2023 will be remembered for many reasons, not the least of which is Kylian Mbappé’s curious behavior. With Lionel Messi’s unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or triumph, the world of football has been set abuzz with discussions about the award’s legitimacy. While Messi’s World Cup victory played a significant role in his win, fans and pundits continue to debate whether Kylian Mbappé, who displayed an uncharacteristically muted presence, could have made a more compelling case for the coveted award. The Ballon d’Or 2023 remains a subject of controversy, as the football world continues to dissect the merits of the top two contenders, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.
0 Comments