Headline: Ballon d’Or Race Wide Open as Experts Weigh in on Top Contenders
In a FIFA World Cup year, the Ballon d’Or usually reflects the results and standout performances from the tournament. However, this year’s situation is quite unusual.
Spain’s World Cup victory came through a collective team effort, with no single player emerging as a standout performer. Meanwhile, teams with notable individual talents, such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr., all saw their efforts fall short. Despite their excellent World Cup performances, their overall club seasons failed to leave a strong impression, complicating the Ballon d’Or race.
Among the Spanish players, Rodri showed potential but struggled with injuries at his club, and Lamine Yamal, who impressed at Barcelona, did not replicate that form during the World Cup. Consequently, the competition for the prestigious award appears to be more competitive than ever.
Kroos Names His Favourite for the Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos spoke to the media recently, discussing various topics, including the Ballon d’Or.
Kroos expressed his strong support for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain as his top choice for the award. He stated, “The Ballon d’Or should go to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia,” although he acknowledged the slim likelihood of that happening.
Kroos elaborated on his selection, reasoning that many of the tournament’s best performers, including Messi, Jude Bellingham, Mbappe, and Rodri, had only average club seasons. He emphasized, “Kvara was the best player from the best club in the world,” highlighting Kvaratskhelia’s contributions despite his World Cup absence.
Mbappe Has a Chance
While many candidates vie for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, Kylian Mbappe stands out as the only Real Madrid player with a legitimate chance. Some media outlets are even naming him a favourite for the award.
Mbappe enjoyed a remarkable season, finishing as the Pichichi winner and leading Real Madrid in scoring. However, his lack of trophy wins—both with his club and national team—could hinder his Ballon d’Or aspirations. Lacking team success might weigh heavily against his individual accomplishments in this fiercely competitive race.
In a FIFA World Cup year, the Ballon d’Or is often decided by the result of the global event and performances at the same time.
The situation this time around, however, is queer.
Spain, who won the World Cup, had no clear bona fide overperformer and won because of their collective efforts. The teams that had clear standout individuals, meanwhile, all fell short.
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Lionel Messi, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and even Vinicius Jr. had spectacular World Cup campaigns but all fell short. Further, all their club seasons were far from impressive, making the Ballon d’Or complicated.
In the Spanish contingent, meanwhile, Rodri stood out but barely played for the club through injury, and Lamine Yamal who shone for Barcelona was not as effective in the World Cup.
At this point, the race is thus more open than ever before.
Kroos names his favourite for the Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos spoke to the media recently as reported by Florian Malburg, and one of the topics touched upon in the process was that of the Ballon d’Or.
Kroos has backed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Ballon d’Or.. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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Making his stance clear, the German international backed Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his clear favourite for the award and even reasoned out the same.
“The Ballon d’Or should go to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia,” he began.
“He’s probably not going to win but he’s the number 1 without hesitation,” he added, acknowledging that the likelihood of it really happening was very slim.
Kroos then backed up his claim with reasons and explained why he felt the Georgian star was the most deserving candidate despite missing out on the FIFA World Cup.
“The best World Cup players: Messi, Jude, Mbappé, Rodri had average club seasons.”
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“Kvara was the best player from the best club in the world,” he added, showering praise on Kvaratskhelia and PSG.
Mbappe has a chance
Mbappe had a stunning individual season. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
At this point, the only Real Madrid player who has a real chance at the Ballon d’Or is Mbappe, and certain outlets even proclaim him as a favourite.
Given the season the Frenchman had, it would indeed be thoroughly deserved for he was the Pichichi winner and Real Madrid’s top scorer by some distance last season.
What is against Mbappe, however, is the fact that he did not win a single trophy – neither with Real Madrid nor with France. In all likelihood, the lack of team success will play against his chances.
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