Karim Benzema did not vote for Kylian Mbappe when picking France’s best player of the year as Real Madrid icon chooses 3 others: Reports
Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema reportedly did not vote for Kylian Mbappe when making his picks for France's best player of the year. The Al-Ittihad star though did cast his vote for another Real Madrid player.
According to SportsBible, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner picked Eduardo Camavinga and Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) duo of Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery. Benzema was not the only top star who didn't give Mbappe any points for the award. Former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante also omitted the 25-year-old from his votes, naming William Saliba, Joules Kounde, and Camavinga instead.
Nevertheless, Mbappe was still able to amass 56 points and win his fourth France Footballer of the Year award. He had previously won the accolade in 2018, 2019 and 2023. The Real Madrid star edged out Arsenal's Saliba, who finished second by five points, while AC Milan's goalkeeper Mike Maiganan came in the third position.
Kylian Mbappe's win comes off the back of a successful 2023-24 campaign with PSG. The Frenchman registered 44 goals and 10 assists in 48 games across competitions for the Ligue 1 side. He also captained Le Bleus to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, contributing a goal and two assists before their semi-final elimination to eventual champions Spain.
He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer but has yet to hit top gear with the Spanish giants judging by his standards. He has 12 goals and two assists in 22 appearances for Los Blancos.
Kylian Mbappe not named in Real Madrid squad versus Rayo Vallecano
Kylian Mbappe was not included in Real Madrid's team list for their league clash with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, December 14. The Frenchman picked up a muscle injury in their 3-2 win at Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday, December 10.
He gave his side the lead with a well-taken strike in the 10th minute. The Frenchman then pulled his muscle and was replaced by Rodrygo Goes in the 35th minute. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti later confirmed that the injury was not serious.
Mbappe is expected to return to the team list when Real Madrid faces Mexican club Pachuca in the final of the Intercontinental Cup on December 18.