Kylian Mbappe remains firmly in contention for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after his commanding World Cup display, according to Real Madrid icon Luis Figo. The Portuguese legend weighed in on the Golden Ball race while also addressing widespread speculation about Rodri's potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu as part of Madrid's ambitious recruitment plans.
Figo highlighted that Mbappe's World Cup performance has solidified his status among elite contenders for football's most prestigious individual award. The French forward won the tournament's Golden Boot with 10 goals and now stands as the competition's all-time leading scorer with 22 career goals across multiple tournaments. Speaking at a Betfair event, Figo emphasized that Mbappe's contributions on the global stage deserve serious consideration, despite France's fourth-place finish in the competition.
Evaluating the 2026 Ballon d'Or Race
"Mbappe and his great World Cup performance will surely put him among the potential winners," Figo stated. The former winger stressed that assessing candidates requires a comprehensive view of the calendar year. "The whole year should count. Logically, the World Cup can tip the scales when choosing the winner, but domestic titles and the Champions League are also very important," he explained.
Beyond Mbappe, Figo identified other serious candidates worthy of recognition. He highlighted PSG players who captured Champions League silverware while maintaining domestic excellence throughout the campaign. Figo also singled out Vitinha and Desire Doue as players deserving consideration despite Portugal's underwhelming tournament run. These performers demonstrated consistency across club competitions that could factor into the final decision.
The Rodri Transfer Speculation
The discussion naturally shifted to Manchester City's midfield lynchpin Rodri, who has become the subject of intense transfer chatter linking him to Madrid. Figo acknowledged the midfielder's exceptional qualities and tactical brilliance, yet cautioned against the practical obstacles blocking such a move. "For me, Rodri has had a great World Cup, even though he hasn't stood out much in terms of goals or assists," Figo noted. "I know there's been talk of Rodri coming to Real Madrid. I think it will be difficult because he's under contract with Manchester City, but everyone knows that Real Madrid always wants to sign the best players in the world."
Figo concluded by highlighting Madrid's immediate priorities under manager Jose Mourinho. With the club having gone two years without winning a trophy—an unusual drought by their elite standards—the Portuguese boss faces mounting pressure to restore the club to its customary position atop Spanish and European football. "I think the most important thing for Real Madrid now will be to win again after two years without titles," Figo emphasized, signaling that silverware acquisition must take precedence over any individual recruitment agenda.
