All the fine flower of world football is expected this Monday evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris for the 66th Ballon d'Or ceremony.
For once, the suspense is more about the faces that will be seen in the audience than the identity of the winner.
Winner of the Champions League with Real Madrid after a breathtaking campaign, Karim Benzema has crushed the competition and should be the first French consecrated since Zinedine Zidane in 1998.
If his friend and former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo should make the trip to Paris, the presence of Kylian Mbappé is far from certain.
For several days, the PSG striker has been wanting.
He hesitates.
At the latest news, his decision is made but his clan wants to keep it secret given the context – the revelations about his desires to leave – where each of his actions is interpreted.
The only certainty: his relationship with Karim Benzema is not in question, the two stars like each other, respect each other and Mbappé does not dispute for a moment the coronation of Real Madrid number 9.
Absent from the Top 5?
“Hardly.
He is 34 years old, has just had the season of his life, wins a new Champions League by often being decisive… In place of Karim, if I don't win there, I stop thinking about the Golden Ball forever Mbappé told France Football this summer before giving his prediction for the top three: “I would say Benzema, me and Mané”.
This prediction could explain his current hesitations.
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Indeed, according to certain leaks from Spain and relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Mbappé would not even be in the Top 5. would not even be invited to the photo does not particularly delight the Parisian.
Last year, ranked 9th, he moved but remained in the shadow of Lionel Messi.
Note that the trophy holder will not be present since he is not on the list of nominees.
This does not prevent the organizers from rejoicing in the presence of an exceptional line-up.
During an interview published by the New York Times last September, Mbappé revealed the importance he attaches to this planetary distinction: “It is indisputable proof that you are the best player in the world.
The Ballon d'Or, for me, is a real barometer.
You just have to see the winners, there are no intruders or crooks.
They all left, each in their own way, a trace in the history of football.