Sergio Ramos names former teammate as Ballon d'Or favorite

Sergio Ramos has made his Ballon d'Or preference crystal clear ahead of his highly anticipated debut at the FIFA Club World Cup with Monterrey.

Now 39 years old, the legendary Spanish centre-back who spent nearly two decades at the heart of Real Madrid’s defense has once again stepped into the global spotlight, not only for his on-field presence but also for his strong public endorsement of former teammate Kylian Mbappé as the most deserving candidate for the most prestigious individual accolade in world football.

Speaking to the media on the eve of Monterrey’s clash with Real Madrid, Ramos was asked who he believes should win the Ballon d'Or this year. Without hesitation, he threw his full support behind Mbappé, his former teammate during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. “It remains an individual award, not a team achievement,” Ramos said firmly, a clear message that personal brilliance should not be overshadowed by team results or silverware counts.

Rather than favoring names with strong media momentum like Ousmane Dembélé, Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah, or even one of his current Monterrey teammates, Ramos went straight to the French superstar now leading the line for Real Madrid. “I always give it to Mbappé,” Ramos smiled. “Not just because of friendship, but because he’s delivered incredible performances year after year. He’s a decisive player, he makes a difference every time he steps on the pitch. It’s an important award, but nobody really knows what the exact criteria are. Some years it’s trophies, other years it’s goals or influence. But if you ask me, talent like his deserves recognition regardless of the number of cups lifted.”

Ramos went on to highlight the consistency of Mbappé’s impact, especially in what many considered a transitional season for Real Madrid. “He scores goals, he leads the team in crucial moments, and he won the Golden Boot even though Madrid didn’t win as many trophies as some other clubs. That says a lot. If it were up to me, Kylian would already have four or five Ballons d’Or in his house. And I truly believe he’ll get there within the next five to ten years. He has everything it takes the speed, the mentality, the vision, and most importantly, the hunger.”

Mbappé’s 2024/25 campaign has indeed been remarkable. In his first full season wearing the famous white shirt of Real Madrid, he has silenced critics who questioned whether he could replicate his PSG form in Spain. The French forward finished as the top scorer in La Liga with 31 goals, earning him the European Golden Boot. The award takes into account the strength of each league through a points-based system: goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues are worth two points each, while those in slightly lower-ranked competitions, like Portugal’s Primeira Liga, are valued at 1.5. This meant that despite Viktor Gyökeres scoring 39 times for Sporting CP, Mbappé’s tally put him just ahead in the final standings.

Beyond his domestic dominance, Mbappé has also been a vital figure for France at the international level and has played a leading role in Madrid’s European campaign. Even in a season without Champions League or La Liga glory, his individual performances ranging from jaw-dropping solo runs to decisive finishes in big games have kept him firmly in the global spotlight.

Now at the Club World Cup, Mbappé continues to reinforce his status as the front-runner for the Ballon d'Or. In Real Madrid’s opening match of the tournament on June 18, they faced Monterrey in a high-profile encounter. Madrid showed their class from the outset, ultimately cruising to a 3-0 victory. Mbappé was instrumental, assisting the opening goal and tormenting the Monterrey defense throughout with his pace, creativity, and control. Even though he didn't get on the scoresheet himself, his contribution was undeniable a clear sign that he remains a game-changer on the world stage.

For Ramos, who was on the losing side that night, it was a bittersweet reminder of just how dominant his former teammate can be. “He’s matured even more since our time together in Paris,” Ramos said post-match. “He reads the game better now, and he knows exactly when to strike. He’s always been special, but now he’s reaching that level where you just expect him to decide the match.”

As the Club World Cup continues, the Ballon d'Or debate is heating up. And while other contenders may still emerge depending on international tournaments and domestic finales, Ramos’s endorsement of Mbappé carries weight especially coming from someone who shared a dressing room with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luka Modrić, and countless other legends of the game.

Whether or not Mbappé claims his first Ballon d'Or later this year remains to be seen. But in the eyes of a World Cup winner, Champions League legend, and one of football’s most decorated defenders, there is no doubt who deserves it most.