Julian Mbppe finished second in the Golden Ball race after winner Harry Kane, while Lamine Yamal (19) third. Real Madrid and France striker reflected on the outcome of the race after failing to receive the award in London.

Kane won the Golden Ball after an extraordinary season in which he scored 73 goals for Bayern and England. Mbppe also had a great year, ending up in front of Yamal, one of the biggest young stars in world football.

I sat down throughout the ceremony and heard everything. I didn’t move because I wanted to see if we were invited to the stage or just given all the awards to the Spanish players. Each time they declared a winner, it seemed as if another Spanish player would take the trophy, Mbppe said initially.

Harry represents what I really appreciate in football. He works hard for a long time, copes with the pressure of higher expectations for years and, despite all, offers high-level performance.

I was happy to see him raise that trophy. I was proud of him. To be clear, I didn’t come to the ceremony to support Kane. I came because I wanted to win the Golden Ball myself.

You can respect another player, praise him and appreciate his success, and at the same time be disappointed that you didn’t win. People can see my reaction and say: Mbappe should be grateful that he was nominated. Of course I’m grateful. But I didn’t get this level by being happy with the nominations.

I’d rather lose the Golden Ball to a player I respect than be told after the ceremony in pity that I deserved it. Harry had his night and I respect that. But my story isn’t over yet.

If I have to work harder, score more goals, improve my game and take more responsibility, then I’ll do it. I won’t ask anyone to feel sorry for me. I’m not gonna complain about the score. I’m going back to work. I want to hear my name on the Golden Ball and I don’t want anyone to discuss whether I deserve it, the star of Real Madrid is finished. /Telegraphy/