Varane Reflects on 2018 Ballon d’Or Ambitions
Former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has openly discussed his feelings about the 2018 Ballon d’Or award, suggesting he believes he did everything possible to win the prestigious accolade. In a recent appearance on The Bridge, a football talk show hosted by his former Real Madrid colleague Aurelien Tchouameni, Varane reflected on a remarkable year in his career.
2018 was an exceptional year for Varane, marked by significant triumphs at both club and international levels. He secured the UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid and played a crucial role in France’s FIFA World Cup victory. Speaking to Sebastien Abdelhamid, the talk-show host, Varane recounted his journey and achievements:
“Did I feel like I could win it (the Ballon d’Or)? It was a year where, both individually and as a team, everything was a success. Our Champions League campaign was incredible. We defeated champions from all the major leagues – Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool in the final.”
Varane highlighted the magnitude of Real Madrid’s Champions League victory, noting their unprecedented dominance in a period where every top team aimed to dethrone them. He further emphasized his contribution to France’s World Cup win, indicating a sense of having reached his peak performance:
“We managed to win the Champions League three times in a row when everyone was trying to defeat us… Then came the World Cup… honestly, I couldn’t have done any more.”
Expanding on this, the former defender reiterated that while individual awards weren’t his primary focus, he felt he had reached the pinnacle of his capabilities in 2018:
“This isn’t really my main objective, it’s not the reason I play, but in terms of my role and what I’m capable of, I was at my absolute best. There was nothing more I could have given.”
Despite his stellar year featuring both Champions League and World Cup titles, Varane finished seventh in the Ballon d’Or rankings. His Real Madrid teammate, Luka Modric, ultimately won the award that year.
Modric Backs Mbappe for Multiple Ballon d’Or Awards
In a contrasting perspective on future Ballon d’Or winners, Luka Modric, the 2018 recipient, has voiced his admiration for Real Madrid’s current striker, Kylian Mbappe. Modric believes that the young French superstar is destined to win multiple Ballon d’Or awards throughout his career.
Speaking about Mbappe’s talent and potential, Modric remarked:
“He is undoubtedly among the best players globally. Mbappe possesses a unique ability to execute plays never seen before. What truly stands out about Kylian is his personality, his overall demeanor…”
“From an outsider’s view, some might argue he hasn’t had his best season yet, but he still managed to score over 30 goals. Imagine what he’s capable of when he truly hits his peak… I am confident he will be a top contender for not just one, but several Ballon d’Or titles.”
Kylian Mbappe’s impressive performance this season, with over 30 goals in more than 40 appearances, has indeed positioned him as a strong contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or. As Real Madrid competes for La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League titles, Mbappe’s contributions will be crucial in his quest for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
What are your thoughts on Varane’s Ballon d’Or year and Modric’s prediction for Mbappe? Share your opinions in the comments below!