Claude Makelele has backed Kylian Mbappé for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, saying he would love to see the France captain win it. The former Real Madrid midfielder also pointed to Mbappe's World Cup level, even while noting that he has not picked up many trophies with Real Madrid this season.

Makelele's Ballon d'Or case

Makelele was direct about why Mbappe is his choice. "I'd love for Mbappé to win it. He hasn't picked up many trophies with Real Madrid this season, but what he's producing at this World Cup is exceptional," he told goal.com.

That is a fair argument. Mbappe has 8 goals in 7 World Cup appearances, with 3 assists as well, and his 627 minutes on the pitch show he has carried a heavy load through the tournament. His latest outing against Spain was rated 5.89, which is a reminder that the praise is for the full run, not one perfect game.

The R9 comparison

Makelele went even further when comparing Mbappe to Ronaldo Nazario. "Kylian Mbappe's relentless consistency season after season is drawing him closer and closer to Ronaldo Nazario," he said. "We didn't call the Brazilian 'O Fenomeno' for nothing, and Mbappe is undoubtedly the phenomenon of his own generation. The frightening part is that he still has levels to reach. I am absolutely convinced: he is the closest thing we have seen to a modern-day R9."

That is the line that will get most of the attention, and it is hard to argue with the shape of it. Mbappe's 11 direct goal contributions, 8 goals and 3 assists, are the kind of tournament output that supports the comparison more than empty hype does.

France are also being framed as targeting their third consecutive World Cup final, which gives Makelele's praise a wider backdrop. The point is not that Mbappe has already won the Ballon d'Or or that France have already made the final. It is that one of the game's more respected voices is making the case that his World Cup form, and the scale of his output, should carry serious weight when the vote comes around.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →