Kylian Mbappe showed his true colours with two-words after not winning the Ballon d'Or

Kylian Mbappe has yet to claim the Ballon d'Or but came closer than ever before in 2023. The Real Madrid striker isn't amongst the contenders this year, with the 2025 ceremony scheduled for Monday evening. Nevertheless, the French star showed his dignity and class after being pipped by Lionel Messi two years ago, while also endorsing his rival years earlier.

The Argentine icon secured a record-breaking eighth Ballon d'Or following an outstanding 2022/23 season. "Congratulations Leo for your award," Mbappe said on social media afterwards, before adding: "You deserve it". The current Inter Miami player captured the Ligue 1 crown with Paris Saint-Germain and the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, breaking his nation's 36-year drought for a third title.

Messi emerged as the overwhelming favourite to claim the accolade after the World Cup final in Qatar 10 months earlier, where Argentina defeated France on penalties. Mbappe netted a remarkable hat-trick in the game and many believe he would've secured his maiden Ballon d'Or had France triumphed in that shootout.

Nevertheless, Messi cemented his legacy as one of football's all-time greats having previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

In 2023, Messi also fended off fierce competition from Manchester City trio Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, who would subsequently claim the prize in 2024.

"I want to share this with my international teammates," said Messi afterwards. "I thank the entire group, the coaching staff. Hats off to Kylian, Erling and Kevin too. You guys are very young and you have achieved so much already so plenty of time left. Delighted to be here to enjoy this one more time. To win the World Cup was to achieve my dream.

"I would like to mention my wife, who has been with me through thick and thin. I'd like to thank Diego (Maradona). I want to say happy birthday to Diego, it would have been his birthday today. It is always special to be recognised."

Footballers no longer hold sway over who claims the prestigious accolade. Rather, reporters from 100 FIFA-ranked countries decide the outcome through their ballots.

Yet that hasn't prevented Mbappe from disclosing his preferred winner for the 2025 ceremony. His ex-PSG colleague Ousmane Dembele stands as the leading contender, with Mbappe backing his fellow Frenchman.

"Yes, I hope he wins. I supported him from the beginning," Mbappe recently said. "For me, it was natural to support him. We'll see how it goes, because it doesn't depend on us. If it depended on the players... but it doesn't depend on us."

Regarding another candidate, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, Mbappe proved characteristically coy given the 18-year-old plays for Los Blancos' arch-enemies. The French striker created history in 2017 by becoming the youngest-ever Ballon d'Or candidate, though Yamal has since claimed that distinction.

"A very good player, but from Barcelona, we can't say anything, but a very good player," Mbappe said. Despite his impressive individual performance throughout the 2024/25 season, Mbappe's lack of silverware at both club and international level appears to have hindered his chances for this year's Ballon d'Or.

Nonetheless, 2026 presents a golden opportunity for Mbappe to clinch the prestigious award for the first time as he sets his sights on Champions League glory with Real Madrid.

Additionally, he will be keenly eyeing his second World Cup victory with France, as the tournament is slated to kick off next summer.