#kylian-mbappe

#kylian-mbappe

The European Golden Shoe or Golden Boot was launched in 1967-68 by French newspaper L'Equipe to celebrate the leading goalscorer in league matches from the top division of a European league. European Sports Media took over the award from the 1997-98 season, deciding it would be won on a weighted points-based system, with the goals that players score multiplied by a specific number denoted by the Uefa coefficient of the league they play in.

France secured their place at next summer's World Cup with an easy 4-0 win over Ukraine in Paris. Les Bleus dominated possession from the outset but struggled to turn territory into clear chances before the break. Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki provided early spark on the flanks, while Kylian Mbappe twice tested Anatoliy Trubin, who produced strong saves from a low drive in the 17th minute and a bending Barcola effort just before half-time.

It was supposed to be Vinícius Júnior's year. In 2024 Real Madrid's star forward had won LaLiga, and he'd won the UEFA Champions League. Next, logically, would be the Ballon d'Or. Almost everybody thought so, a feeling most vociferously expressed by former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand, who bellowed "Ballon d'Or!" into a microphone six times -- count them -- after Vini Jr. scored Madrid's second goal in the 2024 Champions League final.