Kylian Mbappe backs Ballon d’Or hopes after historic World Cup campaign

Madrid [Spain], September 8 (ANI): Kylian Mbappe believes his historic FIFA World Cup campaign has put him firmly in contention for the Ballon d’Or, with the Real Madrid forward admitting that playing for the Spanish giants naturally brings expectations of individual honours.

Mbappe heads into Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan with his stock having risen significantly after a record-breaking summer with France. mieszalniakolorado.pl

The 27-year-old claimed the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals and took his overall tally in the competition to 22, making him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

“Of course I made a lot of history this summer in the most important competition in sport, but we’ll see. I have the feeling that it’s a good year for that, but there’s still a long time to go, and people are free to vote for whoever they think is the best player in the world," Mbappe said, according to Goal.com.

Despite France finishing fourth, Mbappe’s individual performances have strengthened his case for the prestigious award, which he is yet to win.

The French captain said the expectations associated with Real Madrid make discussions about the Ballon d’Or almost inevitable.

“I think that when you play for Real Madrid, which is the best club in the world, naturally people associate you with that kind of award; they associate you with collective awards, individual awards," he added.

He further added, “A lot of people, when they see me in the street, talk to me about the Ballon d’Or; a lot of people talk about me as a possible Ballon d’Or winner…"

Mbappe, however, acknowledged that there is room for improvement at Real Madrid despite his own prolific scoring form. Comparisons have been drawn between Madrid’s attacking setup and the balance achieved by other leading European sides.

“We have to improve," admitted Mbappe. “But I could play dumb and tell you that I score more goals than (Dembele and Raphinha), and that they need to score more goals to be like me. Everyone is different, but I want to do things intelligently and say that of course I have to improve and all that, but I don’t like comparisons because I think I do a lot of things that others don’t do."

While individual recognition remains a talking point, Mbappe stressed that team success is more important to him than his personal numbers.

“I’d happily score only 30 goals if it meant winning trophies," he declared. “I’d rather win titles. If I have to choose between the two, I’ll take the trophies. But I always want to score goals. I want to do both."

With the Champions League campaign now beginning, Mbappe will look to combine his individual form with a successful season for Real Madrid as he continues his pursuit of both collective silverware and the Ballon d’Or. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

India pace ace Arshdeep Singh posted a sweet online message for girlfriend Samreen Kaur on the occasion of her 27th birthday on Monday.

Arshdeep Singh

Sharing a series of pictures of the couple to his 5.9 million Instagram followers, the left-arm seamer wrote: “Happy birthday, meri jaan. My crazy, smart, mature, beautiful partner. I love you so much.”

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WWE Raw took place at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The show featured fallout from Sunday Night’s Main Event. Stephanie Vaquer received her long-awaited rematch against Liv Morgan. Morgan defended the WWE Women’s World Championship against Vaquer.

Money in the Bank qualifying matches also began on the show. Bron Breakker, Rey Mysterio, and Ethan Page competed in a men’s qualifier. Sol Ruca, Lyra Valkyria, and Maxxine Dupri competed in a women’s qualifier.

“Big” Bronson Reed also appeared after returning from injury. His return added another development to the Raw roster.

WWE Raw Highlights

Austin Theory vs. Otis Dozovic

The Vision opened the show with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Logan Paul, and Maxxine Dupri. Breakker said the group now runs WWE and claimed Oba Femi was not medically cleared after their recent fight. Bronson Reed then mocked Femi and said four Tsunamis had put him in the hospital. Logan Paul and Austin Theory also praised The Vision and claimed they would soon hold more championships.

Akira Tozawa interrupted Theory, but Otis Dozovic then returned and challenged him. Otis dominated early with several bodyslams and a Stinger Splash. Theory later regained control and attacked Otis around the ring. Otis then prepared for the Caterpillar, but Bronson Reed attacked him. Otis Dozovic won by disqualification.

The Vision then attacked Otis and Tozawa until Oba Femi came out despite not being medically cleared. Femi attacked Breakker and Reed with lariats and corner uppercuts. Oba also punched Theory through a chair and hit a tossing slam. Officials and road agents finally separated everyone and sent The Vision away.

Bron Breakker vs “All Ego” Ethan Page vs Rey Mysterio (Money in the Bank Qualifying Match)

Bron Breakker used knees and power moves, while Ethan Page and Rey Mysterio also exchanged quick counters. Rey hit Page with a satellite headscissors, while Page responded with a powerslam for a nearfall.

After the commercial break, Page and Mysterio continued to battle while Breakker was sent into the steel steps. Rey then hit Page with a 619 and went to the top rope, but Breakker cut him off and took both men down with a Frankensteiner.

Breakker eventually sent Page to the floor before charging back toward Rey. Bron Breakker won by pinfall with a spear on Rey Mysterio, earning a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match.

The Miz and Kit Wilson Ambush Matt Matthews

Matt Matthews was talking about growing up during the Attitude Era when The Miz and Kit Wilson interrupted him. Miz mocked Matthews and said his airtime should have gone to him during his 20-year anniversary week.

Matthews admitted he knew who Miz was but thought he had retired. Miz then pulled him over the barricade and threw him into the ring, where Wilson attacked him. Matthews fought back with a tijeras and sent Wilson out of the ring.

Miz then attacked Matthews from behind and hit him with the Skull-Crushing Finale.

Lyra Valkyria vs Maxxine Dupri vs Sol Ruca

Lyra Valkyria and Maxxine Dupri briefly teamed up to take Sol Ruca out of the ring, but the match quickly became a three-way fight. Ruca fought back and hit a shoulderbreaker on Valkyria. Dupri then tried to take advantage, but Lyra stopped her and hit Nightwing. Just as Valkyria went for the cover, Bayley pulled referee Jessika Carr away, allowing Ruca to recover.

Ruca then hit the Sol Snatcher on Lyra Valkyria and scored the pinfall to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match. After the match, Bayley attacked Valkyria with falling elbows and a Knee Trembler before hitting her with an Attitude Adjustment through the floor area. Bayley then tried to put Lyra through the announce desk, but Valkyria escaped and ran through the crowd.

Liv Morgan (c) vs Stephanie Vaquer (WWE Women’s World Championship)

Stephanie Vaquer controlled much of the early action before sending Liv Morgan to the floor with a splash off the apron. Vaquer targeted Liv’s knee with a dragon screw and later hit Devil’s Kiss on the announce desk, but Morgan survived. Stephanie then hit a superplex, followed by SVB and an Angel’s Wings Codebreaker for a near fall.

In the closing moments, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez tried to interfere, but Becky Lynch stopped them. Roxanne still managed to hand Liv the championship belt, allowing Morgan to strike Vaquer with it. Liv Morgan won by pinfall with Oblivion, retaining the WWE Women’s World Championship.

Royce Keys Sets The Usos’ Car on Fire

Jacob Fatu and The Usos agreed to work together, with Jimmy and Jey telling Fatu they were calling an audible and would keep riding with him.

After the break, Jey Uso challenged 946 to come after them if they wanted a third straight attack. However, 946 had already taken down several people in the parking lot.

Royce Keys then walked past The Usos’ car and ordered OTM to destroy it. Keys poured fuel on the vehicle and set it on fire, warning that nobody was safe before 946 walked away from the burning car.

FAQs

Q. Who qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match?

A. Bron Breakker and Sol Ruca qualified.

Q. Who attacked Matt Matthews?

A. The Miz and Kit Wilson attacked him.

Q. Who retained the WWE Women’s World Championship?

A. Liv Morgan retained the title.

Q. Who set The Usos’ car on fire?

A. Royce Keys and OTM set the car on fire.

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