Kylian Mbappe beats Barcelona rival Jules Kounde & Arsenal's William Saliba to Best French Player Abroad accolade

Kylian Mbappe is named Best French Player Abroad, despite a mixed debut season at Real Madrid.

• Kylian Mbappe nets 39 goals in debut season
• Recognised by UNFP as best French player abroad
• Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann former winners

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kylian Mbappe was named 'Best French Player Abroad' at the 2025 UNFP Awards on May 11. While Real Madrid could be set to endure a trophy-less season, the France international has nevertheless impressed in his debut La Liga season with 39 goals across all competitions so far.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Notably, this is Mbappe's first major individual honour since moving to Spain in 2024. The former PSG star joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in June 2024. The forward had a relatively slow start but found his stride in the second half of the season, scoring 39 goals across all competitions thus far, surpassing the previous debut-season record of 37 goals set by Ivan Zamorano in the 1992–93 season. However, despite Mbappe's individual brilliance, Real Madrid could well conclude the season without securing any major trophy.

• WHAT KYLIAN MBAPPE SAID

  Mbappe claimed the award ahead of Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), William Saliba (Arsenal), and Michael Olise (Bayern Munich). After winning the award the striker said: "It's nice to be recognized by your peers. You always have to work, prove yourself, and strive for victories."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  With his first season in Spain almost complete, the 26-year-old will soon aim to lead Real Madrid to silverware in the Club World Cup, starting in June. Los Blancos will also be active in the summer transfer window, with reinforcements planned in midfield and defence after falling short in Europe.