Bixente Lizarazu, part of France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad, has openly challenged Kylian Mbappé's suitability as a Ballon d'Or contender, citing the absence of major silverware during the 2025-26 season. The Real Madrid forward recently signaled his ambitions for the prestigious individual award, yet the legendary left-back dismisses such claims without tangible trophies to support them.
"You cannot give the Ballon d'Or to someone who has won nothing. Titles absolutely have to be valued," Lizarazu declared on Téléfoot, reinforcing the principle that collective success remains paramount in determining the sport's highest individual honor. This stance reflects the modern evolution of the award, which increasingly rewards players whose clubs dominate domestically and internationally rather than those who compile impressive goal tallies alone.
Fabian Ruiz Emerges as Lizarazu's Leading Candidate
Rather than backing Mbappé, Lizarazu has positioned Fabian Ruiz as among the frontrunners for the accolade. The PSG midfielder's resumé stands considerably stronger: he captured both the Champions League and the World Cup with Spain, a dual achievement that places him in rarified company. Lizarazu draws parallels to Rodri's triumph last year, arguing that players winning multiple elite competitions command overwhelming advantage in the voting.
The debate underscores how trophy-laden campaigns have become decisive in Ballon d'Or voting. Since Rodri's victory broke Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's dominance, the award has increasingly recognized squad contributions over individual brilliance. For Mbappé, this reality presents a significant obstacle: without La Liga or European success, his individual output alone may prove insufficient. Real Madrid's trajectory during the 2025-26 season will ultimately determine whether the French star can mount a credible case for the award.
