Former Paris Saint-Germain star Jerome Rothen has hit out at Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe over his recent comments about the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Mbappe recently backed himself to win the prestigious individual award for the first time in his career following his performances for Real Madrid and France.
Reacting, Rothen criticised the France captain, arguing that he was not the best player in the world last season.
“Everything is calculated in his communication. I don’t recall that those who won the Ballon d’Or in recent years demanded it as much as he does,” Rothen said on Rothen s’enflamme.
“Kylian, no one thinks you were the best player in the world last season. When you have not won a trophy of the year, shut up!”
Mbappe scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid during the 2025/26 season.
The 27-year-old also finished as the top scorer in LaLiga with 25 goals and the UEFA Champions League with 15 goals.
He further strengthened his case for the 2026 Ballon d’Or with an impressive World Cup campaign for France.
Mbappe won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals at the tournament, becoming the first player in history to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice.
Ballon d’Or: ‘Shut up’ — Rothen slams Mbappe over latest comments