Former PSG superstar backs Real Madrid forward for Ballon d’Or success – ‘I’m convinced he will win…’ | OneFootball

A health setback kept Kylian Mbappe out of the first half of Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign, but the player did return for the knockout stages and make an impact almost instantly.

Indeed, he did not do much against his former team PSG in the semifinal, but given that the entire Real Madrid team suffered on the night, it can be dismissed as a one-off.

The player is now on vacation before the start of the new season and is expected to return to Madrid to restart pre-season training later this week.

Entering his second season as a Real Madrid player, the expectation on him will be significantly higher this time around.

Former teammate speaks

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, former PSG star and Mbappe’s ex-teammate Marco Verratti spoke out on his time with the French champions and the various stars he crossed paths with at the club.

Marco Verratti has backed Mbappe for Ballon d’Or. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

In the process, he gave an honest opinion on Kylian Mbappe, who is now at Real Madrid, and expressed why he holds him in high regard.

“Kylian Mbappe is hungry for success and he’s competitive,” he began, as relayed by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Continuing on the potential the French winger had to become one of the best in the business, Verratti said,

“I’m convinced that sooner or later he’ll win the Ballon d’Or.”

Signing for Real Madrid undoubtedly improves the youngster’s chances of winning the elusive individual award, especially if he maintains the same level of goalscoring and attacking threat that he provided in the second half of last season.

After all, Los Blancos boast of one of the best young cores in world football and are set to dominate the sport for the years to come.

Mbappe will remain the crown jewel and the favourite for the Ballon d’Or whenever the club return to their trophy-winning spree.