Kylian Mbappé was honored with the 2024-25 Golden Shoe at the Santiago Bernabéu on Friday, receiving the accolade from Juan Ignacio Gallardo of European Sports Media. The ceremony was attended by his teammates, coach, club president Florentino Pérez, and various board members, marking a significant moment as he became the third player to receive this prestigious award while wearing the Real Madrid jersey.
However, the event has ignited criticism from several French media commentators. Walid Acherchour, speaking on RMC’s After Foot, expressed outrage over the emphasis placed on an individual trophy when Real Madrid failed to secure any titles last season. He questioned, “What are we mocking? You’re the greatest club in the world, yet you’ve been outplayed in every Clasico and in the Champions League. Is this really the image you want to project?”
Reactions from French Media
The backlash continued on RMC’s Rothen s’enflamme, where a commentator pointed out that it was unprecedented for a club to promote its player’s Golden Shoe in such a manner. Acherchour highlighted a perceived inconsistency in Real Madrid’s actions: “They boycott the Ballon d’Or but hold their own ceremony for Mbappé’s Golden Shoe. It’s dramatic.” Christophe Cessieux echoed these sentiments, stating that Madrid is still reeling from not winning the Ballon d’Or for two consecutive years and feels compelled to assert their status as the best team in the world through such events.
A Historical Perspective
Critics of Real Madrid’s decision to celebrate Mbappé’s achievement fail to recognize that this is not an isolated incident. The club has a history of honoring its players with similar ceremonies. Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his Golden Shoes at the Bernabéu during seasons 2010-11, 2013-14, and 2014-15. Notably, a ceremony akin to Mbappé’s was held for Ronaldo’s 2014-15 award as well. Moreover, it is customary for rival clubs like FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid to publicly celebrate their players’ accomplishments when they win individual honors.
The comparison between the Golden Shoe and the Ballon d’Or is also worth noting. While Ballon d’Or voting is subject to journalistic interpretation and bias, the Golden Shoe is strictly based on quantifiable achievements—goals scored. This distinction underscores why Mbappé’s recognition should not be dismissed lightly.
Ultimately, the critiques leveled against Real Madrid regarding this event seem unwarranted. They may stem from an underlying animosity towards the club within France, which has been exacerbated by its recent institutional battles that could be perceived as condescending.
As Real Madrid continues to navigate these waters of public opinion, one must ask: Can they reclaim their status not just in terms of trophies but also in how they are perceived within the football community?
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