World Cup winner Dugarry criticizes Mbappe's public comments on Ballon d'Or race, calling them immature and regrettable

Real Madrid and France national team star Kylian Mbappe publicly spoke out to promote his candidacy for this year's Ballon d'Or, but his remarks drew strong criticism from former France international and World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held in London, United Kingdom, on October 27, and Mbappe is among the leading candidates. Last season, he scored 42 goals for Real Madrid, broke the World Cup's all-time scoring record, and won the World Cup Golden Boot in two consecutive tournaments.

"When you play for the world's best club, Real Madrid, people naturally associate you with awards like this, whether they are team honors or individual awards," France captain Mbappe said in an interview.

"Many people I meet on the street talk to me about the Ballon d'Or, and many believe I have a chance to win this trophy... This summer, I wrote many chapters of history in the world's most important football competition, but the final result still remains to be seen. I feel this is a year in which I have a very good opportunity to compete for the award, but there is still a long time before the result is announced. Everyone can vote for the world's best player in their own minds."

Mbappe added: "Everyone's situation is different. I look at this matter rationally, and I know I still have room for improvement. But I do not like making comparisons with each other, because I have achieved many things that others could not do."

However, his comments sparked significant debate. Dugarry, a member of the 1998 World Cup-winning team, said: "For someone to publicly ask for an individual award like this, I think it is immature and regrettable."

"There is nothing impressive about actively seeking an award, especially when you are also the captain of the national team."