Claude Makelele has named one of the best performers at this summer's World Cup as his pick to win the Ballon d'Or.
The French midfielder didn't win the award during his career but watched Real Madrid teammates Ronaldo Nazario, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo claim the prestigious award. This year, it's proving to be one of the most closely fought races to take first place on the podium in October in London.
While players are judged on their club-level performances, it's hard to dispute how important it is to shine at the World Cup. Lionel Messi's brilliance in Argentina's 2022 triumph was largely why he won the award for an eighth time in 2023.
Makelele Names his Ballon d'Or Favourite
Claude Makelele
It's not often that the top stars from each of the biggest nations come to the dance and prove their worth, but that has happened at this year's World Cup. Particularly, up front where marksmen have wreaked havoc in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Harry Kane has starred for England, firing the Three Lions through each knockout stage and demonstrating his leadership. That's also been the case for Messi, who continues to roll back the years with decisive performances each time he's on the pitch.
Erling Haaland replicated his club form on the biggest stage with Norway, bullying defenders before his nation crashed out in the quarter-finals. While he might not be a number nine by trade, Kylian Mbappe has been at the peak of his powers for France.
Mbappe is the name Makelele believes should win the Ballon d'Or later this year. The iconic former French midfielder told Marca: "I'd love for Mbappe 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."
The 27-year-old broke several records during another unbelievable World Cup campaign, including becoming France's all-time top goalscorer (64). He also displaced Justin Fontaine as the French player with the most goals in the tournament's history.
Mbappe engaged in a battle with Messi throughout the tournament, vying for the Golden Boot. His extraordinary displays haven't just convinced Makelele he should win the Ballon d'Or but also remind the Chelsea legend of Brazil's 1994 and 2002 World Cup-winning striker Ronaldo Nazario:
"Kylian Mbappe’s relentless consistency season after season is drawing him closer and closer to Ronaldo Nazario. 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."
Kylian Mbappe and Dider Deschamps at the 2026 World CupREUTERS/Mike Segar
The awards ceremony takes place on October 26th and will be the first time it has been hosted in London, England. Mbappe has never won the Ballon d'Or, coming closest in 2023 when he finished third.
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Real Madrid Failure Could Dent Mbappe Hopes
Kylian Mbappe frustrated playing for Real Madrid against Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League
When handing out the award, one of the biggest factors is often the number of trophies won, and Mbappe ended his club campaign without any silverware. The French forward played his part, finding the back of the net 42 times in 44 games.
Madrid lost out to Barcelona in the La Liga title race and crashed out of the Champions League to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. They were also beaten by their El Clasico rivals in the Supercopa de Espana final and suffered a shock loss to Spanish minnows Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
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Whether this will prevent Mbappe from winning the Ballon d'Or remains to be seen, but it is worth noting. The competition for the award is fierce, and for all his individual brilliance, there are others who not only thrived for club and country but also lifted major trophies.