Mbappe urged to rediscover team focus after Ballon d’Or disappointment

Kylian Mbappe’s approach during the Ballon d’Or campaign may have cost him the votes needed to win the award, according to former France defender Bixente Lizarazu.

The France forward finished second, 28 points behind England captain Harry Kane, prompting continued debate in France over why he missed out on the prize.

Speaking on Telefoot, Lizarazu said Mbappe had previously shown the qualities of a strong national-team leader, particularly during the World Cup.

“He gave us a wonderful World Cup. I thought he was a consistent leader for the France team, carrying a strong message for the squad,” said the 1998 World Cup winner.

“But then, with the Ballon d’Or, he completely lost control. I did not like that at all.”

Lizarazu believes Mbappe’s public image shifted during the period surrounding the award, with the player appearing to place too much emphasis on himself.

“He moved towards an excessively individual approach, lacking humility, focusing on promoting himself and, to some extent, overlooking others,” he said.

“He gave the impression that he was the only person who mattered and that nobody else existed. Did that harm him? I do not think so, because in the end the decision was made by 100 journalists from 100 countries.”

Lizarazu said Mbappe’s next priority should be to return to the France team with a renewed commitment to collective football.

Lizarazu calls for a collective response

“Mbappe now needs to return to the France team focused on teamwork,” he added. “Whatever happens, it is the values of the team that will lead France to victory.”

The former defender also pointed to Mbappe’s recent lack of silverware with both his clubs and national teams.

“He is coming from a period in which he has not won any title with his clubs or national teams,” Lizarazu said.

He ended with a message about the difference between individual statistics and team success.

“You may score a lot of goals, but you have to help your team win. That is the most important thing,” he said, according to Marca.