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Kylian Mbappe still ‘among the potential winners’ of 2026 Ballon d’Or as Real Madrid legend Luis Figo addresses Golden Ball debate and talk of Rodri becoming a ‘Galactico’

Real Madrid great Luis Figo feels Kylian Mbappe is still one of the main contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding World Cup campaign. The former Portugal international also responded to the ongoing rumours linking Manchester City’s midfield leader Rodri with a big-money move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mbappe remains a Ballon d’Or frontrunner

Mbappe has long been spoken of as a future Ballon d’Or winner, and his displays on the world stage have only made that case stronger. Speaking at a recent Betfair event, Figo pointed out that the Frenchman’s World Cup performances have secured his place in the elite discussion for football’s biggest individual prize, even though France finished the tournament in fourth place. Mbappe not only claimed the Golden Boot with his 10 goals, but also became the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 22 goals.

“Mbappe and his great World Cup performance will surely put him among the potential winners,” Figo said. “And I would certainly include a PSG player who has won the Champions League again. The whole year should count. Logically, the World Cup can tip the scales when choosing the winner, but domestic titles and the Champions League are also very important.”

Figo went on to discuss those outside contenders, saying: “I would perhaps highlight Vitinha and [Desire] Doue, who have had a great season despite the World Cup not going so well for them, especially for Portugal. I would include all of them among the candidates.”

The difficulty of bringing Rodri away from Manchester City

The discussion naturally moved to Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder who has been at the centre of heavy transfer talk over a possible switch to the Spanish capital to join the ‘Galactico’ project. Rodri’s consistency and tactical intelligence have made him a dream signing for many Madridistas, but Figo was quick to stress the contractual obstacles that would stand in the way of any such deal. Signing a player of his level from a rival giant like City would be a massive challenge on the operational side.

“For me, Rodri has had a great World Cup, even though he hasn’t stood out much in terms of goals or assists,” Figo said. “I know there’s been talk of Rodri coming to Real Madrid. I think it will be difficult because he’s under contract with Manchester City, but everyone knows that Real Madrid always wants to sign the best players in the world.”

Spain’s dominance and World Cup consistency

Looking back at the 2026 World Cup as a whole, Figo was full of praise for eventual champions Spain. La Roja played a style that was both attractive and efficient, and it carried them to a deserved title. He feels Spain were clearly the best side in the tournament, producing a level of football that no other nation could match.

“Spain was the best team, not just in the final, but throughout the entire competition. They only conceded one goal,” Figo explained. “Overall, I think they were the most consistent team and also the ones who played the best football, so Spain’s World Cup victory was, without a doubt, the victory of the best team.”

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Mourinho’s mission at the Santiago Bernabeu

Lastly, the former winger shifted focus to the present situation at Madrid, where Jose Mourinho is driving the push for silverware. After a spell of relative drought by the club’s high standards, Figo believes the pressure is on the Portuguese coach to deliver a quick return to the winners’ podium.

“I think the most important thing for Real Madrid now will be to win again after two years without titles,” Figo concluded.