Kylian Mbappe, who was known to be a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo growing up, has revealed his favourite to lift the 2019 Ballon d'Or, but it is not his former idol.
Read: Mbappe Sends Golden Shoe Message To Messi
The 20-year-old was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year and Ligue 1 Younger Player of the Year on Sunday.
Despite his young age, Mbappe finished above Lionel Messi in the Ballon d'Or ranking last year, with Messi ending up in fifth place, Mbappe in fourth and Ronaldo in second behind winner Luka Modric.
However, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner insisted the Messi must lift the accolade in 2019.
"Messi, despite the (UEFA Champions League) elimination, it does not change anything," Mbappe said, as quoted by Sport360.
"He is the number one. He has shown he was the best player this year. The year will take us up to December but I'm not worried about him, he is going to play until December."
Mbappe himself is tipped to win the prestigious prize in future, but believes he is not yet ready for his first Golden Ball.
"I think for a trophy like the Ballon d'Or you never know when you are ready. I think a lot of players want it.
"It is not enough to say 'I am ready' to win it. It is about showing you are ready on the pitch. You have to keep on working. I have more work to do before I can win it."
Read: PSG Release Statement After Mbappe's Surprise Comments
Messi and Ronaldo have both won five Ballon d'Ors, but their 10-year reign ended last year when Modric won the award.
Who do you think will win this year's Ballon d'Or? Have your say in the comments section below.
