Kylian Mbappe will only have an outside heading into the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London later this month, with Lamine Yamal expected to dominate the proceedings.
The Real Madrid frontman has the stats to back his candidacy, but is coming on the back of a trophyless campaign.
Mbappe failed to win anything with Real Madrid last season while his French team got defeated by Spain in the World Cup semifinals, even though the Frenchman himself came out with the Golden Boot.
Nzonzi wants Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or
Mbappe is a dark horse candidate for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Despite the trophyless campaign, former Sevilla midfielder Steven Nzonzi believes Mbappe has the credentials to win the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking around Real Madrid’s weekend meeting with his old club Sevilla, the 38-year-old, now at Dunkirk, left no doubt about who he views as the standout performer in world football.
“Right now I think he is the best in the world. Although he has lacked the titles, what he has achieved on an individual level is impressive. I see that the forecasts speak of a lot of equality, but I think that the next Ballon d’Or should be for him,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
He went on to argue that silverware should not outweigh sheer individual brilliance when the voters make their choice.
“There are players who win titles, but I think that none in the world is at their level as a footballer. I respect everyone’s opinion, but that’s mine.
“The Ballon d’Or should be for the best player or the one who has performed the most and I think there has not been anyone like Kylian,” he added.
Still short of Messi and Ronaldo
Mbappe not yet at Ronaldo, Messi’s level. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
For all his admiration, Nzonzi stopped short of placing Mbappe in the same bracket as the two defining players of the modern era.
“He is on his way, but he is not yet on that step. They are true legends who have won everything individually and collectively and Mbappe still has a long way to go to prove things. Time will tell,” he added.
Mbappe has been a lone wolf of sorts in the Real Madrid frontline this season, scoring nine goals in all competitions, though he has also missed a lot of chances.
Mbappe’s contributions will be critical as Real Madrid gear up for important matches against Sevilla, Leipzig and Barcelona over the next week.