Jerome Rothen Blasts Mbappe, Says Real Madrid Star Can’t Win Ballon d’Or

Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Jerome Rothen, has criticized Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, branding his debut season at the Spanish giants a “resounding failure” and insisting he won’t win the Ballon d’Or.

Mbappe joined Real Madrid in 2024 after leaving PSG as a free agent, hoping to fulfil his long-standing dream of playing for Los Blancos and competing for football’s highest individual honour. But Rothen believes the 26-year-old has fallen short of expectations both individually and collectively.

Speaking with RMC Radio, Rothen claimed Mbappe’s performances have not lived up to the hype, stating that the Frenchman hasn’t made a significant impact since his move to Spain.

“He arrived at his dream club with the ambition of winning every trophy, including the Champions League, and also of being among the best players in the world and winning the Ballon d’Or,” Rothen said. “Collectively and individually, he is a failure. He will not win the Ballon d’Or this year.”

The former Rangers player added that at the start of the season, many people gave Mbappe the benefit of the doubt, pointing to adaptation and other factors. However, Rothen now insists those excuses no longer apply.

Despite scoring goals and contributing to Real Madrid’s campaign, Mbappe has yet to deliver a defining moment in crucial matches, which Rothen argues is essential for Ballon d’Or recognition.

Mbappe, a 2018 World Cup winner, remains one of the world’s most talented forwards, but questions over his ability to lead on the biggest stages continue to grow following this latest criticism.