View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

Mbappe Names Shock Ballon d’Or Pick Ahead Of CWC Clash

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has revealed a surprising response when asked about who the Ballon d'Or favourite is ahead of his side's FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Check Out: Mbappe Drops Harassment Case Against PSG

The Frenchman will face off against his former side in what will be a battle of two European heavyweights to book a spot in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea.

Mbappe has made two substitute appearances in the competition so far, scoring a stoppage-time penalty in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund.

With the 26-year-old set to take on his former side for the first time since leaving the Parisians, Mbappe revealed who he believed was the favourite for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, according to Sportbible.

"Would I vote for Dembele [to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or]? Yes. I don’t think it needs much explaining," the Frenchman said. "People are talking about Lamine Yamal and Dembélé, but my choice is clear: I vote for Dembélé," he added.

The Ballon d'Or race remains wide open this season as several top stars, such as Mohamed Salah and Raphinha, have also emerged as credible candidates to win football's highest individual prize.

Mbappe's comments about Dembele echo those of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, who believes the winner of the Ballon d'Or must also have won the UEFA Champions League in that year.

"In my opinion, those who stand out and win the Champions League should win," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said.

Check Out: 10 Famous Stars Who Played For PSG And Real Madrid

"But there is no consensus. I don’t believe much in individual awards because I know what goes on behind the scenes. Lamine could win, like Dembele or Vitinha, other emerging players… But individual awards are irrelevant," he added.

Bet now with Mzansibet to claim your R100 bonus bet! MzansiBet

Related tags

Sangweni back in training next week

Cosmos and Wits end in dull draw

Four Possible Destinations For Real's Brazilian Star

New Signing Fires Chelsea To CWC Final

Young Striker Equals Ronaldo As Real Advance In CWC

Comments

Top 5

Sundowns Confirm Five Exits

Jul 07, 2025 07:27 AM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

Pirates Jet Off To Spain – But Who’s Missing The Flight?

Jul 08, 2025 02:47 PM in Orlando-Pirates

One Week In: All Confirmed PSL Signings

Jul 08, 2025 08:32 AM in Siyagobhoza

Ndlovu, Monyane & Co! How Chiefs Could Line Up

Jul 06, 2025 02:58 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Pirates Contract Breakthrough In Saleng Talks

Jul 08, 2025 01:58 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Agent: Mosimane's Son Rea Closing In On Italian Club

Jul 08, 2025 11:43 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Pirates Contract Breakthrough In Saleng Talks

Jul 08, 2025 01:58 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Aziz Ki Already On His Way Out Of Wydad?

Jul 06, 2025 11:47 PM in African Football

Chiefs Admin Trolls Fans Online

Jul 08, 2025 05:45 PM in Fan Park