After Ballon d’Or’s Historic Partnership With UEFA, Kylian Mbappe Dubbed ‘Natural Candidate’ to Succeed Lionel Messi

Kylian Mbappe secured the third position at this year’s Ballon d’Or. The Frenchman fell short of Lionel Messi by a mere 192 points, who secured his 8 and likely the final Ballon d’Or of his career. On this note, the French Football President regarded the PSG forward as the best suited to win the next Golden Ball due to his underlying potential.

Meanwhile, the Ballon d’Or awards underwent a noteworthy shift in its administration after partnering with UEFA in the 2024 season. UEFA was primarily recognized for hosting the Champions League and other renowned club competitions. They now join hands with Groupe Amaury to co-host the awards, representing a groundbreaking development in the soccer world.

Why Kylian Mbappe is the ‘natural candidate’ for the next Ballon d’Or?

The Monaco starlet came remarkably close to becoming the best player of the season due to his brilliance in both domestic and international fixtures. Mbappe scored 41 goals in 43 matches during the 2022-23 season. Philippe Diallo, the President of the FFF (French Football Federation), believes the PSG star had a transformative year.

Phillipe Diallo remarked to Europe 1, “I think he’s certainly the best footballer in the world. At some point, that status has to translate into a trophy. He’s the natural candidate to succeed Messi for the Ballon d’Or”.

The Ballon d’Or, with its partnership with UEFA, sees a substantial turn in the landscape of the prestigious award. This collaboration introduces two new categories for the trophy. It also brings forth significant changes in the management with UEFA’s involvement starting in 2024.

Read more: “You Need Trophies…”- PSG Boss Luis Enrique Extends Crucial Advice To Kylian Mbappe Days After Choosing Silence Over Ballon d’Or Verdict

What’s next for Ballon d’Or from the upcoming years?

UEFA has partnered with the media outlet, France Football, to host the Ballon d’Or in the forthcoming season. Groupe Amaury remains the owner of the Ballon d’Or brand and will maintain a pivotal role in supervising the voting system.

The existing voting system, wherein the team captain, manager, and media representative participate, will remain unchanged. UEFA  plans to step in to organize this annual gala and promote its global commercial rights. This partnership also marks two new awards for the best men’s and women’s coach of the year.

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