Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Ors during his illustrious career and he has had his say on who he thinks will be claiming the coveted award in the coming years.
Ronaldo won football’s biggest individual prize four times while wearing the famous white shirt of Real Madrid and he believes their new superstar signing has a gresat chance of following in his footsteps.
Cristiano Ronaldo, speaking during the second part of his interview with Rio Ferdinand on his new Youtube channel, said: ‘I think [Mbappe] will do very well.
‘The structure of the club… it’s nice, it’s good,’ Ronaldo added. They have a great coach and the president, Florentino [Perez], who has been there many many years.
‘I think it won’t be a big problem because of his talent. Mbappe can be the next golden ball [Ballon d’Or] winner for the next years. Him, [Erling] Haaland, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal]. This new generation has a lot of potential.
‘Madrid is the kind of team they don’t rush under pressure. People say they’re lucky in the Champions [League]. No they are not lucky. They’re prepared for this kind of moment. The Bernabeu has that different aura.
‘Now, if you say that Madrid is going to be better or not, we don’t know. Mbappe is there now, I think Madrid will keep strong, but I don’t know if they will be better than last year. Only God knows.’
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr is the favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, followed by Man City midfielder Rodri.
Jude Bellingham had been leading the race earlier in the year but has drifted in the odds after a number of ineffective displays at the European Championship.
Neither Mbappe or Haaland have claimed the Ballon d’or, despite being the two biggest stars of the modern game.
