PARIS – France legend Frank Leboeuf has slammed the Ballon d’Or, calling the award “meaningless” and warning that Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland may continue to miss out despite their elite talent.
Speaking to Goal, the former Chelsea defender argued that the trophy no longer identifies the world’s best player, but rather rewards those on winning teams.
“I don’t like the Ballon d’Or… it doesn’t mean anything,” Leboeuf stated. “I really want Mbappe to win because he is an incredible player, but nowadays, the main players are those that are winning.
“Leboeuf warned that the duo must act fast to secure the honor: “It’s going to be hard for Kylian and Erling. They have to really go for it because next season or the season after, it is going to be done.”
Despite a career-high third-place finish in 2023, Mbappe has seen his rank slip to 6th in 2024 and 7th in 2025.
According to Leboeuf, unless individual brilliance is matched by major silverware, the sport’s top individual prize may remain out of reach for the game’s two biggest stars.