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Franck Leboeuf commended the Real Madrid star for his impressive overall performance at the World Cup but warned that displays like the one against Spain could harm his chances of ever lifting football’s most prestigious individual honour.

The 1998 World Cup champion did not mince words when analysing Kylian Mbappe’s performance in the semi-final clash with La Roja, insisting that the 27-year-old failed to rise to the occasion.

Speaking exclusively to Freebets.com, Leboeuf said: “I’m not a big admirer of the Ballon d'Or – I don’t enjoy individual awards in a team sport. But Mbappe is an exceptional individual player with remarkable skill and extraordinary self-belief.”

He continued: “If he doesn’t realise that he must work for the team, he will never win the Ballon d'Or because his team will never achieve success.”

Leboeuf emphasised the importance of teamwork, saying: “Trophies like the World Cup and Champions League are earned through collective effort – everyone must fight for one another.”

“Throughout this World Cup, Mbappe tracked back, won possession, and did everything right. But in that match against Spain, there was a lapse in his commitment to the team.”

He added: “Perhaps his attitude has shifted, and maybe things will work out the way he hopes at Real Madrid. But if he truly wants the Ballon d'Or, he must contribute selflessly to his teammates – that’s what will make Real Madrid stronger.”

Leboeuf also reflected on the French national side, which fell short in this year’s tournament, though he remains optimistic that many of the current players are young enough to make a significant impact at the 2030 World Cup.

When asked whether this French squad could rank among the best teams never to win the World Cup, he replied: “Mbappe addressed that before the defeat to Spain. He said, ‘We have a great team, but so far we have won nothing. Only if we win the World Cup can we be called the greatest.’”

Leboeuf recalled: “I told my colleagues at ESPN that this might be the best team ever, but they need to win. We’ve spoken about England’s and Belgium’s golden generations – they achieved nothing and won’t be remembered. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the truth.”

“I truly hope this French team continues to develop. They have some fantastic young talents on the bench, and the squad will only get stronger. They are likely to be a major threat at the 2030 World Cup.”

It was a bittersweet conclusion to Didier Deschamps’ illustrious tenure in charge of Les Bleus, yet Leboeuf spoke with great admiration about his 14-year reign.

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

“Since Deschamps took over in 2014, the lowest point has been a quarter-final finish. That shows how much he’s contributed. He’s been supported by a superb generation of footballers, many of whom have come through outstanding French academies.”

Leboeuf added: “Deschamps ensured that players understood the national team isn’t just a selection of individuals – you must act as if you’re in a club environment. That’s exactly what Aimé Jacquet did with us, and that’s the legacy Deschamps leaves behind. Had he won this World Cup, he would have been regarded as the greatest of the greats.”

Deschamps’ final game as manager will be the third-place play-off against England on Saturday, and Leboeuf admitted he is not particularly enthusiastic about it.

“I never understood the purpose of the third-place match in football,” he remarked.

“The players are heartbroken after missing the final – they have no motivation for such a game. There’s always the risk of injury, and honestly, they’re just exhausted.”

“At that stage, all they want is a short break before returning to their clubs. I simply don’t see the point of that game. I genuinely sympathise with the players on both sides.”