Rio Ferdinand Makes Kylian Mbappe Case For Ballon d’Or If France Won the World Cup Instead of Argentina

Kylian Mbappe was incredibly close to winning his first Ballon d’Or this season. The PSG star fell short of 192 points behind Lionel Messi. On this note, Rio Ferdinand expressed his perspective on the likelihood of Mbappe winning the Ballon d’Or if France had secured their third FIFA World Cup against Argentina in Qatar last year.

On the other hand, Messi showcased a triumphant performance to win the 2022 World Cup, ending La Albiceleste’s 36 years of exile. This greatly contributed to winning his 8 Ballon d’Or this season. And so, Rio Ferdinand emphasized how the 2022 FIFA World Cup could have potentially turned the fortunes of Mbappe’s career.

Rio Ferdinand remarks on potential Ballon d’Or glory for Kylian Mbappe

Previously, Kylian Mbappe made a lasting impression among soccer fans after finishing with eight goals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Frenchman’s most crucial performance was in the finals against Argentina. The PSG star’s hat trick allowed France to cling narrowly but wasn’t enough for France to win the title. In this instance, Rio Ferdinand believes this defeat was the sole factor that prevented Mbappe from winning the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

Mbappe netted 41 goals in 43 matches during the 2022-23 season and won the Ligue 1 with PSG. The striker’s scoring abilities, however, seemingly went in vain. Ferdinand said in this regard, “If Mbappe scored a hat trick in the final and France win it. I think he wins the Ballon d’Or.”

However, the French talisman’s dream to secure his first Golden Ball isn’t a distant possibility, according to the French Football President. Mbappe’s underlying potential on the soccer pitch may finally propel him to claim the prestigious trophy in the upcoming season.

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

Is the Frenchman a natural candidate for the Ballon d’Or next season?

The PSG striker, 24, has already achieved a multitude of domestic and international titles at such an early stage in his career. Mbappe’s trophy cabinet includes 6 Ligue 1 titles and the 2018 World Cup.  Philippe Diallo, the President of French Football, believes Mbappe has the potential to win the Golden Ball as soon as this season.

According to him, the French sensation is poised to outshine Lionel Messi by securing more prestigious trophies. Philippe Diallo remarked in an interview, “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.”

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Do you believe Mbappe has the potential to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or?