November 8
Special Praise for the Paris Star
Zinedine Zidane, the French national team coach, asserted that Kylian Mbappé was the most deserving recipient of the Ballon d'Or. He praised the abilities of the Real Madrid forward, who finished second behind England’s Harry Kane—the player named the world's best by *France Football* magazine this year.
In an interview with a media network on Sunday, Zidane addressed a question regarding the Ballon d'Or: "When it comes to the Ballon d'Or, everyone has their own preference for who should win. Mbappé finished second, and we simply have to accept the results. He was disappointed, because he certainly deserved to win it—that’s for sure."
The French coach added: "I am certain that Kylian Mbappé will be happy to wear the French national team jersey once again. In my first match as national team coach, he scored a goal, but he had to return [to his club] due to an injury. He wanted to stay with the group, but it wasn't possible. He is a player I follow with great interest; he deserves a lot of attention."
The French football legend also praised Désiré Doué—one of France’s most prominent rising talents—ahead of the upcoming international break, during which the French national team will look to secure a spot in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Regarding Doué, Zidane remarked: "What I like about him is his boldness; he plays as if he’s in a casual match in the neighborhood where he grew up. That’s what I admire, because that is the exact mentality we should expect from players on the pitch."
