Ronaldo Supports Mbappe To Clinch Ballon D'Or Against Haaland, Bellingham

Add as a preferred source on Google

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has endorsed Kylian Mbappe for this year's award, suggesting Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal as his main competitors. Ronaldo, like his long-time rival Lionel Messi, was omitted from the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 edition of football's most prestigious individual accolade. This marks the first time since 2003 that neither player is among the nominees.

Ronaldo believes Mbappe, who finished third in last year's voting behind Messi and Haaland, has a strong chance of winning. Mbappe scored 44 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions during his final season with Paris Saint-Germain in 2023-24 before moving to Real Madrid. "I think he will do well. The structure of the club... it's nice, it's good," Ronaldo said on his YouTube channel.

Ronaldo praised Real Madrid's setup, highlighting their experienced coach and president Florentino Perez. "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," he added. Ronaldo sees Mbappe as a potential Ballon d'Or winner alongside Haaland, Bellingham, and Yamal.

Real Madrid secured their record-extending 15th European Cup/Champions League title last season. They triumphed over Manchester City and Bayern Munich in dramatic ties before defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final. Some attribute their success to luck in crucial moments, but Ronaldo disagrees.

"Madrid is the kind of team where they don't rush under pressure," Ronaldo explained. "People say they're lucky in the Champions League. No, they are not lucky. They're prepared for this kind of moment." He emphasised that the Bernabeu has a unique aura that contributes to their success.

Discussing Real Madrid's future with Mbappe now part of the squad, Ronaldo remained cautious about predicting improvements over last year. "Now, if you say that Madrid are going to be better or not, we don't know," he said. "Mbappe is there now; I think Madrid will stay strong, but I don't know if they will be better than last year. Only God knows."

This year's Ballon d'Or will see a new winner for the first time since 2008 when Ronaldo won his first award. With both Messi and Ronaldo absent from the shortlist, it opens up opportunities for emerging talents like Mbappe to claim football's highest individual honour.