Cristiano Ronaldo names four players he predicts will take over from him and Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Ors but is also approaching his 40th birthday - now he has shared his thoughts on who will become the best player in the world
Cristiano Ronaldo has named Kylian Mbappe among four players he predicts will take over the mantle as the world ’s best player.
Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have won 13 of the last 15 Ballon d’Ors in an unmistakable era of dominance. While fans have been fortunate to see two all-time greats battle it out for more than a decade, their time at the top of the sport is fading, with both stars playing outside of major European leagues.
That does not mean that either one has stopped collecting accolades. Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in the recent international break, while reigning Ballon d’Or winner Messi is only a few months removed from retaining the Copa America trophy with Argentina.
However, both men will be aware that a new wave of footballers are primed to take their place. Ronaldo is less than six months away from celebrating his 40th birthday - and has a clear idea of which players are ready to become the best in the world.
Speaking about Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid, Ronaldo tipped the France captain for greatness: “In my opinion, he can be the next Golden Ball [winner] for the next few years,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents. “Him, probably [Erling] Haaland, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal].
“I think this new generation, they have a lot of potential. Let’s see if their head is clear and good and if they can deal with the pressure - because Real Madrid is not PSG, I can tell you.
There is a different environment, but I believe that [Mbappe’s] going to do it very well.” Having finally put an end to football’s longest-running transfer saga, Mbappe has scored three goals in his first five games for the Spanish giants. He will hope to form a prominent partnership with new team-mate Bellingham, who has been sidelined with an injury in recent weeks.
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Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal showcased his talent as he helped Spain clinch the Euros this summer. Away from La Liga, Erling Haaland has been in clinical form for Manchester City, with the striker firing in seven goals - including two hat-tricks - in just three league games.
While there will be many contenders jostling for position when Messi and Ronaldo finally hang up their boots, it seems that the Portuguese icon believes Mbappe can rise to the challenge and thrive at his old club.
“I think he’s going to do well [at Real Madrid] because of the structure of the club because it’s nice, it’s good, it’s solid,” Ronaldo explained. “They have a great coach and a president who has been there for many, many years.
! I think it’s not going to be a big issue for him because his challenge is to show everyone what he’s capable of doing and I think he’s going to do it well.”
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