Portuguese Great Believes France Star Remains in Contention Despite Growing Competition 
Real Madrid legend Luis Figo believes Kylian Mbappé remains one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, despite increasing competition following the FIFA World Cup and another eventful club season. Figo also weighed in on speculation linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid, describing the Spanish midfielder as a player any top club would welcome.
Speaking at a Betfair event, the 2000 Ballon d'Or winner said Mbappé's outstanding performances at the World Cup ensure he remains firmly in the race for football's most prestigious individual award.
"Mbappé and his outstanding World Cup performance will surely put him among the potential winners," Figo said. However, he stressed that Ballon d'Or voting takes into account a player's performances across the entire season, including domestic league campaigns and the UEFA Champions League.
Figo identified several other strong candidates for the award, naming Rodri, Vitinha, and Désiré Doué alongside Mbappé. He praised Rodri's influence during Spain's successful World Cup campaign, describing the midfielder as one of the tournament's standout performers despite not dominating the goals or assists statistics.
The former Portugal international also acknowledged the achievements of Paris Saint-Germain stars Vitinha and Doué, noting that their Champions League-winning campaign strengthens their Ballon d'Or credentials even though Portugal fell short at the World Cup.
Addressing speculation linking Manchester City midfielder Rodri with a move to Real Madrid, Figo admitted the Spain international possesses the quality expected of a "Galáctico."
"Every great player can play for Real Madrid," Figo said, while adding that any potential transfer would depend on several factors, including Rodri's contractual situation and negotiations between the clubs.
Rodri has been widely praised following Spain's World Cup triumph, with many analysts crediting his leadership, composure and tactical intelligence as key factors behind the team's success. His performances have fueled speculation that Real Madrid could pursue the midfielder as they continue to strengthen their squad.
Figo also described Spain as the deserving World Cup champions, applauding their consistency throughout the tournament and saying they played the most attractive and effective football from start to finish.
With the Ballon d'Or ceremony still months away, the debate over this year's winner remains open. Mbappé's prolific World Cup campaign has kept him among the favourites, but Rodri, Vitinha and Doué are also widely viewed as serious contenders following their impressive performances for club and country.