Steven Nzonzi backs Kylian Mbappe for Ballon d’Or, ranks Michael Olise alongside Lamine Yamal

Former Sevilla midfielder Steven Nzonzi believes Kylian Mbappe deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, insisting that the Real Madrid forward’s individual performances put him ahead of his competitors despite his lack of major team honours.

The former France international, who has DR Congo descent praised Mbappe’s individual achievements and argued that the Real Madrid star remains the best player in the world.

Although several contenders have strengthened their claims through collective success, Nzonzi believes individual quality and performance should carry significant weight in determining the winner of football’s most prestigious individual award.

“Although Mbappe may have lacked team titles, what he has achieved on an individual level is truly impressive,” Nzonzi said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

He added: “Although many expect very strong competition, I believe the next Ballon d’Or should go to Mbappe. It is true that there are players who win titles, but I don’t think anyone in the world can match his level as a football player.

“I respect everyone’s opinions, but this is my opinion. The Ballon d’Or should go to the best player, the one who performed best, and I don’t think there is anyone like Kylian.”

Mbappe has established himself as one of the leading figures in world football through his goalscoring ability, pace and influence in the attacking third. Nzonzi’s backing underlines the belief that individual excellence should remain central to the Ballon d’Or debate, even when a player’s team achievements are limited.

However, the former Sevilla player was more cautious when asked whether Mbappe could eventually reach the legendary status of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Nzonzi acknowledged the French forward’s progress but stressed that matching the achievements of the two football icons would require sustained excellence at both individual and collective levels.

“He is on the right track, but he has not yet reached that level. They are true legends who have achieved everything, both individually and collectively. Mbappe still has a long way to go to prove his worth, and only time will tell,” he explained.

Beyond the Ballon d’Or discussion, Nzonzi also shared his views on Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, placing the Frenchman on the same level as Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.

The former midfielder believes the two wide attackers currently stand out among the best wingers in world football, pointing to their technical ability, creativity and capacity to influence the outcome of matches.

“Yes, I absolutely believe that. Olise and Yamal are the two best wingers in the world. They both have the qualities of stars and the ability to change the course of a match, as well as being entertaining players to watch. It seems to me that at the moment they are at the same level,” Nzonzi said.

Olise has earned recognition for his creativity, close control and ability to deliver decisive contributions in the final third, while Yamal has continued to attract attention for his maturity, dribbling and attacking influence despite his young age.

Nzonzi’s assessment places the two players together at the top of the current crop of wide attackers, highlighting their ability to combine individual brilliance with a decisive impact on their respective teams.

The former France international also praised Rodri, describing the midfielder as an invaluable asset for any team fortunate enough to have him in its ranks.

Despite the difficulties Rodri experienced with injury during his final season at Manchester City, Nzonzi highlighted the Spaniard’s intelligence, positional awareness and control of midfield, while also praising his performances at the World Cup.

“He is very intelligent and outstanding in every way. He dominates the midfield in a way that few can rival. His last season with Manchester City was difficult due to injury, but he performed brilliantly at the World Cup, shining in the strongest tournament in the world and showing amazing dominance,” he said.

“I think he is currently the best in his position, and having a midfielder like him is a valuable asset to any team.”

Through his assessment of Mbappe, Olise, Yamal and Rodri, Nzonzi has highlighted the qualities he values most in modern football: individual brilliance, the ability to change games and the intelligence to influence performances at the highest level.