With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo not among the leaked top three for this year's Ballon d'Or, Kylian Mbappe has now commented on the duo's chances of lifting this year's Golden Ball.
Read: Ballon d'Or Top Three Leaked?
The superstar duo have shared the past 10 Ballon d'Or awards between them, but their reign could come to an end this year.
According to French journalist Eric Mamruth, neither Messi nor Ronaldo are among the top three for this year's accolade after half of the votes were counted.
Instead, Luka Modric apparently leads the ranking ahead of Raphael Varane and Mbappe. The latter also believes 2018 might be the year that sees Messi and Ronaldo take a step back from the podium.
"I don't think one of them will win the Ballon d'Or this year because it was a World Cup year, and the World Cup takes precedence," he told AFP.
"But if you take the player in the purest form, there's nobody better yet. This year they were again the best two.
"Messi finished the best goalscorer in Europe; Ronaldo was the top scorer in the Champions League."
Read: Nominees For Ballon d'Or Revealed – Part 1
In addition, the Paris Saint-germain attacker believes one of the nominated 2018 FIFA World Cup winners should win this year's Ballon d'Or.
"Frankly, I hope so (for a Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or). We achieved something big," he added.
"It would not be unjust because that is a strong word, but it would be a shame if a Frenchman does not win it.
"We made history and it would be nice to be rewarded."
Read: Nominees For Ballon d'Or Revealed – Part 2
Do you agree that a French 2018 World Cup winner should lift this year's Ballon d'Or? Have your say in the comments section below.
