Nasser Al-Khelaifi says Kylian Mbappé “deserves Ballon d’Or.” | OneFootball

Speaking in front of various French media outlets including RMC Sport, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi backed star striker and France captain Kylian Mbappé (24) for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Despite a tumultuous summer with a strained relationship to the club, it seems that Mbappé’s relationship to PSG has somewhat warmed.

“Kylian is part of the family,” began Al-Khelaifi on Mbappé, emphasising a close-nit relationship between the player and the club. “I am proud of what he is doing – and what the whole team is achieving.”

The PSG president then emphatically declared “We have the best player in the world, and in my opinion, he deserves the Ballon d’Or.”

Such an endorsement marks a changing of the relationship between the Qatari boss and his star player.

Mbappé’s contract situation has been a source of speculation and tension throughout the summer. His existing contract with PSG is set to expire on June 30, 2024. In a bold move in June, Mbappé expressed his intent to see out his current contract without extension, a stance that did not sit well with PSG’s leadership.

The ensuing standoff threatened to cast a shadow over the club’s preparations for the season. Amidst rumours of a potential pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid, Mbappé found himself temporarily sidelined. However, the storm seems to have subsided, and the French international made his long-awaited return to the pitch on August 19th against Toulouse.

Since making his return, the Frenchman has scored eight goals in five appearances in all competitions for PSG this season. He’ll face Marseille in the Le Classique this evening at the Parc des Princes (Kick off 21:00 local time).

GFFN | George Boxall