What Kylian Mbappé really wants at PSG and how Neymar stands in his way

Kylian Mbappé placed himself on the podium for the next Ballon d'Or, behind the favorite Karim Benzema and alongside Senegal's Sadio Mané, said the French world champion for France Football magazine in an interview published on Saturday.

"I would say Benzema, me and Mané," he replied when asked for his 'top-3', a day after the publication of the list of 30 candidates.

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The Ballon d'Or, awarded on October 17 in Paris, changed its format for this edition: it no longer crowns the best player of the calendar year but of the sporting season, prioritizing "individual performances" and the "decisive and impressive character" of the candidates.

Mbappé, author in 2021-22 of 39 goals and 26 assists with his team between all competitions, however did not conquer the Champions League. Benzema won the Champions League and La Liga.

Mbappé's most coveted award

So Mbappé revealed that he dreams of winning the Ballon d'Or. At PSG, he only needs to win the Champions League, and that trophy would surely put him in the conversation for the award. But the problem for Mbappé is that he is not the only star of the team. Neymar has found himself again at the start of this season, and if PSG were to win the Champions League, Mbappé's number one rival for the Ballon d'Or would be one of his own teammates.