Kylian Mbappé, recently named French Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season by *France Football*, has reaffirmed his status as one of football's brightest stars. He narrowly edged out William Saliba by a mere five points to claim the honor.
However, not everyone in the football world agreed with the decision. Notably, N’Golo Kanté cast his five points for Saliba, leaving Mbappé completely out of his top three picks.
### Benzema's Unconventional Choices
A surprising dissent came from Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid captain and current Al-Ittihad forward. Benzema’s voting choices raised eyebrows, as he selected Eduardo Camavinga, Bradley Barcola, and William Saliba as his top three picks, omitting Mbappé entirely.
This move highlights the apparent tension between Benzema and Mbappé, a topic that has been the subject of much speculation.
### A Strained Dynamic
According to reports from *L’Équipe*, Benzema holds a “deep enmity” towards his former French national team colleague. This animosity has contributed to a strained relationship between the two.
Described as “electric,” their interactions have often been marked by subtle friction. While the exact cause of their discord remains unclear, it is evident that their relationship hasn’t improved since their time together in the French squad.
### A Subplot in Mbappé’s Career
As Mbappé continues to dominate on the pitch, breaking records and collecting accolades, his personal dynamics with former teammates like Benzema add an intriguing layer to his career narrative.
While his success is undeniable, the fractured relationships he shares with some of his peers remain an undercurrent in his otherwise stellar journey.