Karim Benzema snubs Kylian Mbappe in footballer of the year vote

In the context of French football, Karim Benzema chose not to include Kylian Mbappe in his vote for the French footballer of the season for the year 2023-24. This decision is reportedly reflective of a deeper rift between the two players, which has garnered significant media attention. Despite this snub from his fellow Frenchman, Mbappe was awarded the title once again, marking a notable achievement in his career. This win brings him level with Benzema as a four-time recipient of the prestigious title, putting them just behind Thierry Henry, who has won the award five times. During his final season at Paris Saint-Germain, which concluded before his transfer to Real Madrid, Mbappe remained prolific, scoring 44 goals across all competitions, helping PSG secure a league and cup double. However, his tenure was not without controversy, as he sought to force a move away from the club where he had played since 2017. This desire for a transfer led to significant internal conflict within the team, which may have influenced Benzema’s decision to exclude him from his nominations. The voting results revealed that Mbappe finished just ahead of Arsenal defender William Saliba, who came in second place, followed by AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan in third. Benzema's preferences leaned towards younger talents, as he nominated Eduardo Camavinga, Bradley Barcola, and Saliba for the top three spots. Furthermore, N'Golo Kante also omitted Mbappe from his nominations, adding to the narrative of estrangement among the French stars. Benzema’s previous public comments about Mbappe indicate a measure of criticism regarding Mbappe's performance and adaptability in La Liga, particularly with Carlo Ancelotti’s management at Real Madrid. Benzema highlighted concerns regarding Mbappe’s preferred position on the field and the pressure he faces playing in a new league. The interplay between these dynamics and the on-field performances of both players will likely continue to be a focal point for fans and analysts of football moving forward.