From SI · · 1m 10s
Lamine Yamal, Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or Rivals
Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé vie for Ballon d’Or as Spain’s Rodri stays overlooked.
In brief
Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé vie for Ballon d’Or as Spain’s Rodri stays overlooked. Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are top Ballon d’Or contenders after Spain’s Rodri was overlooked despite winning World Cup Golden Ball. Originally reported by SI.
No Clear Ballon d’Or Favorite
For the first time in years, no clear favorite for the Ballon d’Or.
Yamal Names Mbappé and Himself
Yamal says Mbappé and he are the best in the world.
“For me, [Kylian] Mbappé and I are the best in the world. It is clear to me. Everyone who watches the matches knows it.”
L’Équipe Teases Five Contenders
L’Équipe highlights Mbappé, Yamal, Messi, Dembélé and Kane.
“It’s their project.”
Five Names Lift Major Awards
They have won every major silverware and scored over 200 goals.
No One Won Individual Accolade
None claimed the individual award closest to the Ballon d’Or in a World Cup year.
Rodri Overlooked for Ballon d’Or
Spain’s Rodri won World Cup Golden Ball but no one pushes his case.
“Ballon d’Or? The club has chosen to back Lamine. They say he’s the player most deserving of the award, and that’s completely legitimate.”
Rodri’s Nonchalance
Rodri says he understands football differently and doesn’t get frustrated.
“Maybe people would like me to be more marketable and they sometimes say, ‘Mate, you should ...’ but I understand football differently.”
Rodri’s 2024 Campaign
Rodri pipped Vinícius Júnior to the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
Rodri’s Current Stance
Rodri hopes a Spanish player wins the Ballon d’Or.
“I hope that a Spanish player wins.”
What to remember
Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are top Ballon d’Or contenders after Spain’s Rodri was overlooked despite winning World Cup Golden Ball.
