Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has made a bold prediction regarding the future of Kylian Mbappé, stating that the French superstar could win four or five Ballon d'Or awards in the next decade. This statement comes amidst a competitive race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, where Mbappé's potential victory hinges on his performance, particularly in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Ramos, now playing for Monterrey in Mexico, shared his views with Marca, expressing his admiration for the 26-year-old Mbappé. "For me, of course," Ramos stated, backing Mbappé for the prestigious award. He acknowledged Mbappé's individual achievements, such as winning the Pichichi and the European Golden Boot, which recognizes the top goalscorer in Europe's major leagues. Despite these accolades, Real Madrid's lack of significant silverware this season could be a disadvantage, as other players like Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal have secured major titles with their respective teams. Ramos emphasized that while individual awards are important, team achievements often play a crucial role in Ballon d'Or consideration.
Mbappé's debut season with Real Madrid has been marked by both brilliance and unrealized expectations. While he has showcased flashes of his world-class talent, some observers believe he has yet to consistently dominate as anticipated. Early in the season, there were concerns about his integration into the team and his scoring rate compared to his time at Paris Saint-Germain. However, he has shown resilience, combining effectively with teammates like Vinícius Junior and Rodrygo. His hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level.
Currently, the focus is on the FIFA Club World Cup, which presents Mbappé with an opportunity to make a significant statement. A strong showing in this tournament could bolster his chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or and secure his first major title with Real Madrid. According to reports, the Frenchman recognizes the importance of this tournament, especially with Real Madrid missing out on La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey titles this season.
Despite the pressure and high expectations, Mbappé remains composed. When questioned about his Ballon d'Or prospects, he acknowledged that the decision rests with journalists and emphasized his focus on what he can control, such as his performance on the pitch. "If I win it, great. If not, I'll be fine," he said, reflecting his grounded mindset.
While Ramos's prediction of four or five Ballon d'Or wins for Mbappé is optimistic, it reflects the immense potential and talent that the Frenchman possesses. His performances in the upcoming Club World Cup and subsequent seasons will be crucial in determining whether he can achieve such lofty heights. The competition is fierce, with other stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal also in contention for the 2025 award. But with his ambition and skills, Mbappé certainly has the potential to dominate the world of football for years to come.
