'I Think Mbappe Can': Cristiano Ronaldo Backs Kylian Mbappe to Win Ballon d'Or as Real Madrid Player

Cristiano Ronaldo remains hopeful that Kylian Mbappe will be able to carry forward his legacy at Real Madrid and win the Ballon d’Or in the next few years.

Mbappe has recognised Ronaldo as his idol on several occasions. When the French striker was unveiled as a Real Madrid player, the scenes at the Santiago Bernabeu reminded many fans of Ronaldo’s arrival at the club. Mbappe even tried to imitate the Portuguese legend’s iconic gesture during his presentation and it received a huge road from the crowd.

Now, his idol Ronaldo believes that Mbappe will be able to achieve much success in the white jersey.

The Al Nassr captain made the revelation during a recent podcast session on his YouTube channel. Speaking with Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo predicted that Mbappe would be a top contender for the Ballon d’Or. He also mentioned another Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

According to Ronaldo, these players have the quality to dominate the list of Ballon d’Or nominees in the next few years. Interestingly, all four of them are running for the coveted award this term. “I think Mbappe will do well [at Real Madrid] and can be the next Golden Ball [Ballon d’Or] winner. Him, Haaland, Bellingham, Lamine. I think this new generation has a lot of potential,” Ronaldo said.

The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or is slated to be announced on October 28. Neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi has found a place on the nominees list for the first time in over two decades. The legendary duo had mostly dominated the title race since 2023. Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or during his illustrious career while Ronaldo has claimed the title five times.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe has already showcased his goal-scoring prowess for Real Madrid. He was unable to find the net in the first three La Liga fixtures. He scripted a roaring comeback with a brace against Real Betis ahead of the international break. Mbappe will be back in action when Real Madrid take on Real Sociedad in an away fixture on September 15.