Figo Backs Rodri as Ballon d’Or Favourite, Dismisses Lamine Yamal and Messi
Luis Figo says Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or, arguing Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi are not deserving, and names Mbappé and PSG winners among contenders today.
Luis Figo has told Betfair that Spain midfielder Rodri is his preferred candidate for the Ballon d’Or after an influential World Cup showing.
The former Portugal international said he does not consider Lamine Yamal or Lionel Messi deserving of the award this year, and he highlighted Kylian Mbappé and several Paris Saint-Germain players as credible alternatives.
Figo’s remarks, carried by Spanish outlet Marca, have reignited discussion about how international tournaments and club success should be weighed in the Ballon d’Or vote.
Figo Backs Rodri as Ballon d’Or Favourite
Luis Figo pointed to Rodri’s performances at the World Cup as the decisive factor in his assessment of the Ballon d’Or race.
He argued that Rodri’s consistency in midfield and his role for Spain during the tournament give him an edge over other candidates when voters assess the biggest individual prize in world football.
Dismissal of Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi
Figo explicitly said he would not vote for Lamine Yamal or Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or this cycle.
He suggested that, despite their high profiles and moments of brilliance, their overall contributions did not match what he views as the complete body of work required for the award this year.
Mbappé’s World Cup Form Keeps Him in Contention
Figo included Kylian Mbappé among those he expects to be on shortlists for the Ballon d’Or, citing the French forward’s standout World Cup performances.
The former Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged that Mbappé’s impact on the biggest international stage makes him a natural candidate, even if club form and other factors will also be considered by voters.
PSG Champions and Individual Merit
Figo said he would also consider some Paris Saint-Germain players who contributed to a successful Champions League campaign when making his Ballon d’Or choices.
He singled out Vitinha and referenced other PSG figures who enjoyed notable seasons, noting that club silverware and sustained high-level performances remain influential in voters’ calculations.
World Cup Influence on Ballon d’Or Voting
Figo’s comments underline a broader debate: how much weight should a single international tournament carry in Ballon d’Or deliberations?
Voters often face tension between valuing exceptional World Cup displays and recognising year-long consistency at club level, which can yield divergent shortlists depending on priorities.
Potential Reactions and Wider Debate
Figo’s stance is likely to prompt responses from supporters of other candidates and from analysts who prioritise different metrics when judging individual success.
Ballon d’Or voting panels include journalists, coaches and national team captains, and their differing perspectives mean the final outcome can reflect a mix of tournament heroics and sustained club excellence.
The former Portugal star’s remarks add a prominent voice to the ongoing conversation about award criteria, especially at a time when international tournaments have magnified certain performances.
How voters balance World Cup influence against domestic and continental achievements will be closely watched as the Ballon d’Or voting process unfolds.
