William Saliba and Christopher Nkunku back Kylian Mbappé to win this year’s Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

The next winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced in Paris on Monday. Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. is the outright favourite to succeed Lionel Messi in winning the award, however, his teammate at club level, Kylian Mbappé (25), has the backing of his international teammates.

Having played a significant role in helping Los Blancos win the UEFA Champions League last season, notably by scoring in the final against Borussia Dortmund, Vinícius Jr. looks well positioned. The editor-in-chief of France Football (the organisers of the award) Vincent García, outlined the criteria for taking home the award.

“The number one criteria for the Ballon d’Or is individual performance,” García told Téléfoot, ahead of Monday’s ceremony in Paris. With 52 goals and 20 assists, no player was more decisive than Mbappé during the 2023/24 season and he also has the backing of international teammates William Saliba and Christopher Nkunku.

Asked who was their favourite to win the Ballon d’Or both Saliba and Nkunku were unequivocal in naming the France captain. “As a Frenchman, we will push for Kylian,” Chelsea forward Nkunku told Téléfoot.

Despite another strong season at PSG, a difficult Euro 2024 campaign, coupled with a middling start to life at Real Madrid, could count against Mbappé.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle