Kylian Mbappe made his feelings very clear when he learnt he didn't win Ballon d'Or

Kylian Mbappe has yet to win the Ballon d'Or but came as close as he's ever been 2023. The Real Madrid star is not in the running this year, with the 2025 ceremony taking place on Monday evening.

However, the French superstar demonstrated his grace and class after losing out to Lionel Messi two years ago. The Argentinian legend took home a record-eighth Ballon d'Or after a supreme 2022/23 campaign.

"Congratulations Leo for your award," wroteMbappe on social media afterwards, before adding: "You deserve it". The now-Inter Miami star won the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain and the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, ending his country's 36-year wait for a third championship.

Messi was the major favourite to win the award following the World Cup final in Qatar 10 months prior, where Argentina beat France in a penalty shootout.

Mbappe scored an astonishing hat-trick in the game and many believe he would've claimed his first Ballon d'Or had France won that shootout. However, Messi crowned his status as one of the greatest players in history having won the Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi replied to Ballon d'Or host who questioned him in best way before he got axed

READ MORE: PSG stars set to miss Ballon d'Or awards as favourite forced to make choice

In 2023, Messi also held off tough competition from Manchester City trio Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, who would go on to win the award in 2024.

"I want to share this with my international teammates," said Messi afterwards. "I thank the entire group, the coaching staff.

"Hats off to Kylian, Erling and Kevin too. You guys are very young and you have achieved so much already so plenty of time left. Delighted to be here to enjoy this one more time. To win the World Cup was to achieve my dream.

"I would like to mention my wife, who has been with me through thick and thin. I’d like to thank Diego (Maradona). I want to say happy birthday to Diego, it would have been his birthday today. It is always special to be recognised."

Players no longer have a say in who they want to see walk away with the award. Instead, journalists from 100 FIFA-ranked nations cast their votes.

However, that hasn't stopped Mbappe revealing who he wants to see win the award in 2025. His former team-mate at PSG, Ousmane Dembele, is the hot favourite and Mbappe has endorsed his compatriot.

"Yes, I hope he wins. I supported him from the beginning," Mbappe recently said. "For me, it was natural to support him. We'll see how it goes, because it doesn't depend on us. If it depended on the players... but it doesn't depend on us."

Speaking of another contender, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, Mbappe was typically more evasive with the 18-year-old representing Los Blancos' bitter rivals. The Frenchman made history back in 2017 when he became the youngest Ballon d'Or nominee, however, Yamal has now taken that accolade.

"A very good player, but from Barcelona, we can't say anything, but a very good player," Mbappe said. Although he had a very strong individual season across the 2024/25 season Mbappe's lack of trophies with both club and country looks to have cost him his chance for this year's Ballon d'Or.

However, 2026 will represent a huge chance for Mbappe to pick up the award for the first time as he'll be aiming to win the Champions League with Real. He will also have one eye on his second World Cup triumph with France, with the World Cup set to get underway next summer.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.