Kylian Mbappe, despite his extraordinary results, seems destined to remain an "uncrowned king" in world football. The Frenchman, almost 28 years old, scored 67 goals in 75 games for Real Madrid and 162 in 178 for Paris Saint‑Germain, won Ligue 1 with Monaco at 18 and received the Golden Shoe with Real. However, the lack of major titles – Champions League, World Cup, European Championship – makes it difficult for him to win the Ballon d'Or, especially in an era where young Yamal continues to grow and compete with top clubs such as Barcelona and Spain.
Over the last few weeks the media campaign has highlighted how much Mbappe wants the individual prize. Despite not winning anything significant this year, the Frenchman managed to reach second position on the Ballon d'Or podium. But the reality is that, with the dominance of teams like Real Madrid and the growing strength of clubs like Barcelona, the possibility of rising to the top of world football seems increasingly remote.
The comparison with Charles Leclerc, Formula 1 driver, may seem strange, but it highlights a similar situation. Leclerc, after winning in preparatory series, arrived at Ferrari and overtook Vettel, but was never able to compete for the world title in the most prestigious team. Likewise, Mbappe has proven to be a champion, but the lack of collective success prevents him from reaching the top of football.
Mercedes' dominance in Formula 1 hampered Leclerc's chances of winning the title, while the Verstappen and subsequent Norris eras changed the dynamics. Now, at 29, Leclerc has seen his peers surpass him as he continues to fight to keep Ferrari in competition. Similarly, Mbappè, despite his unquestionable talent, must face the challenge of winning team titles in order to be considered a true king of football.
Looking to the future, Mbappe will have to continue to improve and try to win high-level competitions to increase his chances of obtaining the Ballon d'Or. At the moment, his path remains uncertain, but his skill and commitment on the field still make him a candidate to keep an eye on in the coming seasons.