Luis Figo names Rodri, Mbappe among Ballon d'Or picks

Luis Figo has entered the Ballon d'Or discussion by naming the players he believes are best placed to challenge for the award after the World Cup. The former Portugal star pointed to Rodri and Kylian Mbappe as leading contenders, while also highlighting two Paris Saint-Germain players for their club form.

Figo puts Rodri at the centre of the debate

Speaking to Marca, Figo said Rodri's World Cup could prove decisive in the race for football's most prestigious individual honour. The Spain midfielder was praised for the level of his performances rather than for headline attacking numbers, with Figo arguing that his influence on the tournament may carry significant weight.

That view reflects Rodri's standing after a major international campaign in which he was recognised as the best player of the tournament despite not posting notable goal or assist figures. The source material also places him in rare historical company, noting that after winning the World Cup he joined a very small group of players to have won the World Cup, the European Championship, the European Cup or Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or.

According to the source, only Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Mueller and Zinedine Zidane had previously achieved that combination. It also notes that Rodri had already won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 after Spain's European Championship triumph.

Mbappe's case built on World Cup output

Figo also included Mbappe among the strongest candidates. The France forward's case, as outlined in the source, rests not only on his profile but on his production during the tournament. He finished as the competition's top scorer with 10 goals and also provided four assists across matches played in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

That return ensured Mbappe remained firmly in the Ballon d'Or conversation, even as attention shifted toward Rodri's all-round authority. Figo's comments suggest the award debate is not simply a choice between stylistically similar players, but between very different interpretations of excellence: decisive attacking numbers on one side and complete midfield control on the other.

PSG duo also mentioned by Figo

Beyond Rodri and Mbappe, Figo added two more names from PSG. He singled out Vitinha and Doue, saying both had enjoyed excellent seasons at club level, even if the World Cup had not gone as they would have hoped, particularly in Portugal's case.

Figo's shortlist, based on the source material, includes:

• Rodri
• Kylian Mbappe
• Vitinha
• Doue

He also referenced PSG's latest Champions League success as part of the wider context for considering players from the French club.

Ballon d'Or debate continues after the World Cup

The Ballon d'Or conversation has again been shaped by the biggest international stage. Lionel Messi, who beat Robert Lewandowski to the award in 2021, had long been viewed as a leading candidate for another triumph during the recent World Cup. But Figo's assessment indicates that the closing stages of the tournament may have shifted the balance toward other names.

For now, his verdict adds another high-profile voice to a debate that remains open, with Rodri's command, Mbappe's numbers and PSG's standout performers all part of the discussion.