Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steve McManaman has backed Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe to claim the Ballon d’Or when the award is presented on Monday, placing him ahead of Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal.
McManaman said Mbappe’s capacity to decide major games and score under pressure makes him his preferred candidate for football’s leading individual prize.
“My choice would be Kylian Mbappe,” McManaman said. “He is capable of changing a game and finding goals in the biggest fixtures, while his experience gives him the ability to cope with the pressure.”
He acknowledged Yamal’s exceptional rise at a young age and said the Barcelona player has already delivered consistently at the top level. However, asked to select between the two contenders at present, McManaman said he would cast his vote for Mbappe.
Mbappe and Yamal are regarded as leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or, with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane also among the principal challengers.
