Kylian Mbappe has included himself when asked who should finish in the top three for this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
Last year, Mbappe’s Paris Saint Germain team mate Lionel Messi picked up the award ahead of Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho.
However, all three names were left out of Mbappe’s top three for this year, with Messi left out of the 30-man shortlist that was announced by France Football on Friday evening all together.
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Messi’s omission signalled the end of the Argentina legend’s 17 year run of being nominated for football’s most prestigious award.
Mbappe is amongst the favourites alongside the likes of Karim Benzema, Kevin de Bruyne and Sadio Mane. The PSG star has now backed Benzema to take home the award.
Benzema is many fans’ choice after he played a vital role in helping Real Madrid win both the La Liga and the Champions League last season.
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Mbappe told L’Equipe: “My top three? I would say Benzema, myself, and Mané. I would say that this year is a success for Benzema.
“He’s 34 years old, has just had the season of his life, has won another Champions League and is often decisive.”
He added: “If I were Karim, if I don’t win this, I’ll stop thinking about the Ballon d’Or forever. I want to win the Ballon d’Or very soon. Like many. Except that there are perhaps not many who dare to admit it. I’m still convinced that the hardest thing is to win the first.
The 23-year-old then spoke about his development and his chances of winning the award.
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He said: “I think that my 18-21 year old period allowed me to stabilise in the Top 10. I wasn’t an impactful enough player.
“For the last two years, I think I have reached a new level, I have a more assertive status on the pitch, I am doing better in the decisive matches. In short, I am a more credible and serious candidate.”
Since 2008, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the Ballon d’Or award, with the pair winning all but one in the last 14 years. With Messi and Ronaldo now way off the rest, Mbappe spoke about the pair’s battle for the accolade.
He said: “As for all those of my generation, the Ballon d'Or is necessarily associated with the battle between Leo (Messi) and Cristiano (Ronaldo). By digging really deep in my memory, I remember a little bit also Ronaldinho (winner in 2005).”
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Messi was without doubt the high profile omission from the shortlist. England players Harry Kane, Trent Alexander Arnold and Phil Foden did however make it in.
The winner is set to be announced on October 17.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema