Zinedine Zidane says Kylian Mbappe deserved Ballon d’Or victory

Zinedine Zidane has backed Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or, saying the Real Madrid forward was the rightful recipient of the award despite finishing second behind England’s Harry Kane.

Kane was named the world’s best player this year by France Football, but Zidane said Mbappe had every reason to feel disappointed after missing out.

“Everyone has their own preference when it comes to the Ballon d’Or winner,” Zidane told Telefoot on Sunday. “Mbappe finished second and we simply have to accept the result.

“But Kylian was disappointed because he deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. That is certain.”

Zidane also spoke about Mbappe’s return to the France squad and said he expected the forward to be pleased to wear the national team shirt again.

“I am sure Kylian Mbappe will be happy to put the France shirt on again,” he said. “In my first match as national team manager, he scored a goal, but he had to return because of an injury.

“He wanted to remain with the group, but that was not possible. He is a player I follow very closely and he must be given a great deal of attention.”

Mbappe’s availability will be important as France prepare for the next international break, when they will seek to reach the quarter-finals of the Nations League.

Zidane praises Desire Doue

Zidane also highlighted Desire Doue, one of France’s leading emerging talents, ahead of the upcoming international fixtures.

The former France international praised the young player’s confidence and the freedom with which he approaches matches.

“What I like about him is the boldness he shows,” Zidane said. “He plays as if he were taking part in a match in the neighbourhood where he grew up.

“That is what appeals to me, because that is the mindset we should demand from players on the pitch.”