Kylian Mbappé has spoken about the upcoming Ballon d’Or race, offering his candid thoughts on some of the leading contenders for football’s most prestigious individual prize. His comments come at a time when the award, once dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for more than a decade, has become an open contest shaped by new stars and shifting allegiances.
When asked about Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has dazzled Europe with his precocious talent, Mbappé was careful not to overstate his view: “Lamine Yamal winning the Ballon d’Or? He’s a Barcelona player, we cannot say anything.” The French captain’s words reflect both rivalry and respect, acknowledging the young Spaniard’s rise without placing him as the frontrunner.
Instead, Mbappé shifted attention to his former teammate and close friend Ousmane Dembélé, who left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain last year. “Dembele deserves it from the start, I have supported him,” he said firmly, pointing to Dembélé’s resurgence in Paris and his crucial role in both domestic and European campaigns.
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Mbappé also extended his praise to another PSG teammate, Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan full-back has been a consistent force for club and country, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. “I hope Hakimi will be ranked up there too,” Mbappé added, signaling that defenders also deserve recognition in a competition often dominated by forwards.
The Ballon d’Or has a storied history of sparking debate. Since 1956, only a handful of defenders have won it, most famously Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 after Italy’s World Cup triumph. Midfielders and goalkeepers, too, rarely get the spotlight, with the award traditionally tilted toward prolific attackers.
As football enters a new era without Messi and Ronaldo overshadowing every edition, the stage is wide open. Rising stars like Yamal, established leaders like Mbappé, and versatile performers like Dembélé and Hakimi are all part of the conversation.
Mbappé’s remarks underline that this year’s Ballon d’Or may not just crown the best player of the season—it could also mark a generational shift in football’s hierarchy.
