Figo snubs Messi and Yamal in Ballon dOr race as he backs Rodri and PSG duo

Luis Figo has ruled Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal out of contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or, despite their run to the 2026 World Cup final, instead naming Spain’s Rodri and two Paris St-Germain midfielders among his leading favourites.

The former Portugal international and 2000 Ballon d’Or winner said Rodri’s World Cup campaign places the Manchester City midfielder “at the front” of the race, and argued that World Cup form and Champions League success should be decisive in the voting.

Rodri ‘at the front’ of Ballon d’Or race

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca on Wednesday, Figo insisted that Rodri’s influence in Spain’s World Cup triumph should make him the standout candidate.

He said: “Rodri قدم كاس عالم رايعا، وهذا قد يرجح كفته في سباق الكرة الذهبية”.

Figo stressed that Rodri’s contribution went far beyond goals and assists, describing his tournament as “exceptional” in terms of overall performance and control in midfield.

He added that Real Madrid’s reported interest in signing Rodri from Manchester City was “normal” given his level, but questioned whether a transfer would be feasible.

“I think completing the deal will be difficult because he is under contract with Manchester City, but everyone knows that Real Madrid always seeks to sign the best players in the world,” Figo explained.

Mbappe also backed – but no place for Messi or Yamal

Figo named France captain Kylian Mbappe as another key contender for the Ballon d’Or, praising his impact at the World Cup.

He said: “رغم ان رودري لم يتالق كثيرا من ناحية الاهداف او التمريرات الحاسمة، فانه قدم بطولة استثنايية. كما ان مبابي، بفضل ما قدمه في كاس العالم، يجب ان يكون بين المرشحين”.

However, the 51-year-old did not include Argentina’s Lionel Messi or Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal among his main favourites, even though both helped lead their nations to the 2026 World Cup final.

By focusing his shortlist on Rodri, Mbappe and two PSG players, Figo appeared to put greater weight on overall seasonal performance and team achievements than on the reputations of past winners or rising prodigies.

PSG duo Vitinha and Desire Doue in Figo’s shortlist

Figo also backed Paris St-Germain pair Vitinha and Desire Doue as serious candidates for the award, highlighting their form across the club season and their role in PSG’s Champions League triumph.

He argued that European club success should count heavily in the voting, even if the pair did not shine at their best on the World Cup stage.

واضاف “اعتقد ان فيتينيا ودوي قدما موسما رايعا، حتى وان لم يكن كاس العالم الافضل بالنسبة لهما، خصوصا مع منتخب البرتغال، لكنهما يستحقان ان يكونا ضمن قايمة المرشحين”.

The inclusion of Vitinha and Doue alongside Rodri and Mbappe underlines Figo’s view that midfielders and all-round contributors should be considered on a par with star forwards when it comes to football’s most prestigious individual prize.

‘Spain were the best team’ at the World Cup

Away from the Ballon d’Or debate, Figo hailed Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign, insisting their triumph was fully merited.

He said Spain had been the outstanding side from the group stage through to the final, combining defensive solidity with the most consistent style of play.

واوضح “اسبانيا كانت افضل منتخب، ليس فقط في المباراة النهايية، بل طوال البطولة. استقبلت هدفا واحدا فقط، وكانت الاكثر استقرارا وقدمت افضل كرة قدم، لذلك فان تتويجها كان مستحقا”.

Spain conceded just once during the tournament, a statistic Figo pointed to as proof of their dominance and organisation.

Mourinho’s Real Madrid return ‘all about trophies’

Figo also addressed Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, framing the Portuguese coach’s second spell at the Bernabeu as a mission to bring silverware back to the club.

He said the primary objective for Mourinho and Madrid’s hierarchy must be to re-establish the team as a trophy-winning force after two consecutive seasons without major titles.

واختتم تصريحاته قايلا: “اعتقد ان الهدف الاهم لريال مدريد الان هو العودة الى حصد الالقاب بعد موسمين من دون بطولات”.

Figo’s comments place additional spotlight on Real Madrid’s transfer strategy this summer, including their long-standing pursuit of elite midfielders and attacking stars, as they attempt to reclaim their place at the summit of Spanish and European football.