Toni Kroos
Photo by Patricia J. Garcinuno/Getty Images for Laureus
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.
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.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG player
Kroos has backed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Ballon d’Or.. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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.”
“Kvara was the best player from the best club in the world,” he added, showering praise on Kvaratskhelia and PSG.
Mbappe has a chance
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
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.
Real Madrid summer signing names Cristiano Ronaldo his idol: ‘The pictures say everything’
Yan Diomande, Real Madrid player
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty ImagesPhoto by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Real Madrid signed talented Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig this summer for a mammoth fee of €140 million.
That price tag was a clear reflection of the kind of faith Los Blancos had in the teenage sensation who had taken the Bundesliga by storm last season.
After signing for Madrid, Diomande reiterated that he was honoured to play for the Spanish club and that he was not feeling the pressure of the price tag.
‘Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol’
Now, speaking to Sporty TV in an interview, the African winger has admitted that he idolised Cristiano Ronaldo growing up.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol,” Diomande said.
The winger is now walking through the same training facilities where Ronaldo spent some of the greatest years of his career, and the photographs around the club have clearly made an impression on Madrid’s new signing.
“When I go to training, I look at his pictures. The pictures say everything,” he explained.
⚪️⚡️ Yan Diomande: “Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol”.
“When I go to training, I look at his pictures, the pictures say everything”.
“The walk, the aura. I’m proud to play in the club my idol played in”, told @SportyTV. pic.twitter.com/HlC5Id0wAO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2026
“The walk, the aura. I’m proud to play in the club my idol played in.”
For a young attacker arriving at Madrid with enormous expectations, there could hardly be a more appropriate reference point.
Following Ronaldo’s footsteps at Madrid
Ronaldo’s legacy at Real Madrid needs little introduction.
His combination of goals, personality, relentless ambition and ability to perform under pressure transformed him into one of the defining players in the club’s history.
Diomande is obviously at the very beginning of his own Madrid journey, and comparisons between the two would be premature.
However, if Diomande could even imbibe some of the mentality that Ronaldo showed, it would set him up for success in a massive way.
A dream becoming reality for Diomande
Yan Diomande of Real Madrid
Yan Diomande is Real Madrid’s record signing. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The Ivorian has made no attempt to hide what joining Madrid means to him.
He previously described the club’s call as a dream, admitting he could barely sleep after learning of their interest.
Now he is training surrounded by reminders of the player who helped shape that dream in the first place.
There will inevitably be pressure and difficult moments ahead. Diomande is young, the expectations are enormous and Jose Mourinho has serious competition throughout his attack.
However, if there is something Diomande can learn from his idol, it is that failures are always stepping stones to success.
Ronaldo never gave up in spite of the numerous times that he was written off and, perhaps, Madrid fans are getting ready to see Diomande write the next iconic chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu.