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Franck Leboeuf has lauded the Real Madrid star for his impressive overall showing at the World Cup, but he believes that performances like the one against Spain could hold back Kylian Mbappe’s hopes of ever lifting football’s most coveted individual honour, the Ballon d’Or.

The 1998 World Cup-winning defender was forthright in his evaluation of Mbappe’s display during the semi-final clash with La Roja, asserting that the 27-year-old failed to rise to the big occasion when his nation needed him most.

In an exclusive interview with Freebets.com, Leboeuf remarked, “I’m not a huge admirer of the Ballon d’Or — I don’t particularly like individual accolades in a team sport. But Mbappe is a phenomenal individual talent, blessed with immense skill and remarkable self-belief.”

“However, if he doesn’t realise that he needs to contribute more for the team, he will never win the Ballon d’Or, because without a collective mindset, his team won’t win the major trophies.”

“Tournaments like the World Cup and the Champions League are won through teamwork — every player has to give everything for one another.”

“Throughout most of this World Cup, Mbappe tracked back, won the ball, and did everything right. But in that match against Spain, there was a clear lapse in collective effort.”

“Perhaps his attitude has changed, and maybe things will improve for him at Real Madrid. But if he truly wants the Ballon d’Or, he must support his teammates — that’s what will make Real Madrid a stronger side.”

Leboeuf also reflected on France’s campaign, which ended in disappointment, yet he remains optimistic that many of the current squad members are still young enough to make an impact when the 2030 World Cup arrives.

Asked whether this France side ranks among the best teams to never win the World Cup, Leboeuf said, “Mbappe answered that himself before the defeat to Spain. He said, ‘We have a great team, but so far, we’ve won nothing. Only when we win the World Cup can we perhaps be called the greatest.’”

“I told my colleagues at ESPN — watching them play, I felt this could be the best team ever. But they have to win. We’ve seen England’s and Belgium’s so-called golden generations — they ended up winning nothing, and sadly, they won’t be remembered.”

“I truly hope this French team carries on progressing. They have outstanding young talents waiting on the bench. This group will continue to evolve and could pose a serious threat at the 2030 World Cup.”

It marked a bittersweet conclusion to Didier Deschamps’ illustrious tenure as manager of Les Bleus, but Leboeuf spoke with admiration about Deschamps’ 14-year reign at the helm.

“I will never criticise someone who has played in two World Cups, won one, and lifted a European Championship. Since 1998, we’ve reached four World Cup finals — that’s incredible for a country our size,” he explained.

“Since Deschamps took charge in 2014, the lowest finish has been the quarter-finals. That speaks volumes about his influence. Of course, he benefited from an exceptional generation of players, many of whom came through France’s youth academies.”

“Deschamps instilled the belief that representing the national team is not just about selection — you must act as though you’re playing for a club. That’s the same principle Aime Jacquet taught us, and it remains Deschamps’ enduring legacy. Had he won this World Cup, he would have been hailed as one of the greatest managers of all time.”

Deschamps’ last game in charge will be the third-place play-off against England on Saturday, and Leboeuf admitted that he is not particularly enthusiastic about that fixture.

“I’ve never understood the concept of a third-place match in football,” he said.

“The players are heartbroken — they wanted to be in the final. They have no motivation for such a game. There’s a risk of injury, and mentally, they’re drained.”

“At that point, you just want a few days off before returning to club football. I simply don’t see the point of that match. I genuinely sympathise with the players on both sides.”