Mbappe Discovers His 2025 Ballon d'Or Destiny Following Spectacular Real Madrid Breakthrough

Kylian Mbappé achieved the highest position among Real Madrid's trio of 2025 men's Ballon d'Or contenders, securing seventh place.

The French striker may have experienced a sluggish beginning in the famous white jersey, but he ultimately delivered a season that etched his name in Real Madrid history. Mbappé netted 44 goals in all tournaments, breaking virtually every first-season scoring milestone at the world's most prestigious football club.

While the former Paris Saint-Germain sensation's individual excellence wasn't sufficient to secure a major championship for Real Madrid in 2024–25, it resulted in multiple personal accolades. Mbappé claimed both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Boot for his performances, which earned him a spot among the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or candidates.

Mbappé didn't capture the coveted award at this year's Ballon d'Or gala, but he managed a top 10 placement, surpassing his Real Madrid colleagues and fellow nominees Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, who finished 16th and 23rd respectively.

Securing seventh position in the Ballon d'Or rankings places Mbappé below his ex-PSG teammates Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha and naturally, the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or champion Ousmane Dembélé. The Real Madrid striker also trailed behind Raphinha, Mohamed Salah and Lamine Yamal.

Mbappé's current position represents an improvement of one spot from his 2024 men's Ballon d'Or result; the French player finished sixth the previous year during his farewell campaign at his childhood club. He was absent from both ceremonies, as was Real Madrid entirely.

The new number 10 at Real Madrid aims to deliver an even stronger performance under incoming manager Xabi Alonso to potentially challenge for the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or.