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Claude Makelele has described Real Madrid sensation Kylian Mbappe as the closest player to the legendary Ronaldo Nazario, backing the French forward to claim the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The former Real Madrid midfielder believes Mbappe’s influence on the global stage makes him stand apart from his contemporaries.

Mbappe backed for Ballon d'Or success

The Real Madrid great has thrown his full support behind Mbappe to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, even though the striker’s club-level trophy collection this season has been relatively limited. Makelele feels Mbappe’s outstanding displays for France have set him apart from the rest of the competition.

“I’d love for Mbappe to win it,” Makelele shared in an interview with Marca. “He hasn’t collected many trophies with Real Madrid this season, but what he’s showing at this World Cup is simply remarkable.”

The experienced former midfielder is convinced that Mbappe’s brilliance and consistency make him the leading contender for football’s most prestigious individual honour.

The modern-day Ronaldo Nazario

In an enthusiastic assessment of Mbappe’s skill and athleticism, Makelele compared the current Real Madrid superstar to the iconic Brazilian striker Ronaldo. He suggested that Mbappe has become the defining footballer of this generation, much like Ronaldo — famously nicknamed ‘O Fenomeno’ — was in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

“Kylian Mbappe’s relentless consistency year after year is bringing him closer to Ronaldo Nazario. We didn’t call the Brazilian ‘O Fenomeno’ for nothing, and Mbappe is undoubtedly the phenomenon of his generation. What’s even more impressive is that he still has more levels to reach. I’m absolutely convinced — he is the closest thing we’ve seen to a modern-day R9,” Makelele stated.

All eyes on Spain clash

France now shift their attention to the World Cup semi-final against Spain, where manager Didier Deschamps is expected to have both Mbappe and Michael Olise fit and ready for selection. Mbappe is determined to lead Les Bleus to a third consecutive World Cup final and dreams of lifting the golden trophy for the second time in his illustrious career.

Refusing to compare Bellingham and Olise

Although Makelele expressed admiration for both Michael Olise and Jude Bellingham, he declined to place one above the other. The French legend emphasised that young stars should be given the freedom to develop their own identities in football, without unfair comparisons to icons of the past or to each other.

“Jude Bellingham or Michael Olise? Let them express themselves. What they’re doing is extraordinary,” Makelele explained. “I don’t believe in comparisons — that’s my philosophy. You can’t compare Pele with the generations that came after him, and with Maradona, the debates never stop. Zidane’s legacy in world football will last forever, no matter what generations follow. Each of these youngsters should build their own careers and write their own names into football history.”