Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on the upcoming Ballon d’Or race, acknowledging the wide range of talent currently making headlines in world football. While the Portuguese icon refrained from naming a single favorite for the prestigious award, he did highlight several standout players who he believes are strong contenders. “I can NOT single out just one player, but there are many strong contenders… Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha,” Ronaldo said, signaling his appreciation for both emerging stars and established names alike.
Ronaldo’s mention of 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal is particularly notable, as it reflects the youngster’s meteoric rise in both club and international football. Meanwhile, Mbappé remains a consistent candidate for the Ballon d’Or, with another impressive season under his belt and a potential move to Real Madrid looming. Dembélé and Vitinha, both key figures at Paris Saint-Germain, have also been recognized for their pivotal roles in the club’s recent domestic and European performances, showing Ronaldo’s awareness of a broader pool of talent beyond the usual frontrunners.
His comments highlight a shift in football’s landscape, where the next generation of stars is beginning to take center stage. Ronaldo, himself a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, understands the prestige of the award better than most, and his balanced perspective reinforces the idea that individual success now comes from consistent impact, adaptability, and leadership. With no clear-cut favorite, the race for this year’s Ballon d’Or remains wide open — and Ronaldo’s remarks only add to the excitement surrounding it.
