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.
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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.
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"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.
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