Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the Ballon d’Or awards for over a decade. The Portuguese-Argentine duo represent the pinnacle of football, and it is only right that they did not give other players in their generation any chance to win it, barring Luka Modric.
With the two superstars now playing in lower leagues outside Europe, the door is open for the next generation to take over. Messi may take home his final Ballon d’Or this year, but it is clear that a change of guard is around the corner.
Vinicius will win Ballon d’Or before Mbappe says KDB
As revealed by Sky Sports (h/t Madrid Xtra) earlier today, Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was asked to rank three of world football’s top young talents in order of who would win the accolade first.
The Belgian ranked his teammate Erling Haaland first on the list, for the Norweigan superstar is on fire in front of goal for Pep Guardiola’s side. He placed Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr second on his list with Kylian Mbappe taking third place.
De Bruyne’s choice of order between Vinicius and Mbappe attracted the interest of the interviewer who asked the midfielder to explain his leaderboard.
“Why Vinicius ahead of Mbappe? Because I don’t know what’s going to happen with him this year. I also think it’s harder for him to win it at PSG. There are rumours he may go to Madrid, then maybe I’d put him first or something,” he said.
Mbappe’s key to winning the award could lie in Madrid
It is no secret that Mbappe is desperate to join Real Madrid. The Frenchman has been a fan of the Merengues since his early footballing days and dreams of donning the white colours.
He is one of the best players in world football at the moment, but the Ballon d’Or is an award that counts not just individual brilliance but the club-level trophies won as well.
Needless to say, moving to Real Madrid would significantly boost Mbappe’s chances of winning the French award.
A transfer this summer is unlikely, but a move next year as a free agent appears well placed.
