F1 legend Max Verstappen picks Real Madrid star over Yamal as best in the world | OneFootball

Max Verstappen is undoubtedly the biggest name in the world of Formula One right now. With four back-to-back World Drivers’ Championships between 2021 and 2024, he has established himself as one of the greats in the game.

What makes Verstappen an interesting character, though, is that he remains interested in things outside F1 and is a self-proclaimed fan of Barcelona.

However, despite his association with Barça, the Dutchman, in a recent interview, has picked Kylian Mbappe as the best player in the world while praising Real Madrid as a club.

What Verstappen said about Mbappe and Real Madrid

In a recent interview, as relayed by Defensa Central, Verstappen was asked about his favourite footballer right now.

Instead of picking Lamine Yamal or Pedri, as one would expect from a Barcelona fan, the Dutchman didn’t hesitate to name Kylian Mbapp, who has recently equalled the record held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Max Verstappen is a huge fan of Barcelona. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

“My favourite footballer? In general, Johan Cruijff and right now Kylian Mbappé,” said the four-time Formula One world champion.

Verstappen went on to heap praise on Real Madrid and the club’s model. I’m a Barcelona fan, but Real Madrid is exceptional,” he said.

The Red Bull Racing driver, who lost the 2025 Championship to McLaren’s Lando Norris by just two points, is particularly impressed by Real Madrid’s ability to instantly replace their veteran stars.

“Real Madrid manages its squad very well; its current starting eleven is exceptional, but they make sure that once the older players are nearing the end of their careers, they are immediately replaced by promising young talents capable of filling the void,” he said.

Finally, he added that Real Madrid’s formula should be replicated in F1.

“What they do is what I think we should also try to achieve in Formula 1 : have an older driver who is at his peak or about to reach it, and have his successor take over immediately to prevent the team from regressing,” he concluded.